Planning for the Future of Le Sueur's Industrial Development Needs
(from the Le Sueur News-Herald, written by Ed Tschida)

During the last several years the losses of manufacturing jobs, on the national and state levels, have been enormous. Locally, Le Sueur was directly impacted with the closing of ADC Telecommunications. In spite of this trend, manufacturing remains a key component of Le Sueur’s economy. Le Sueur Development, Inc. is working to ensure that the community will be able to provide industry with land and infrastructure suitable for long-term growth.

Historically, Le Sueur's major industries have been located along North Main Street (the route of old U.S. Highway169 that ran parallel to the railroad line through the City). Industrial growth in this corridor has proven to be difficult due to the lack of available land and proximity to residential properties. Past efforts to locate industry away from North Main Street resulted in developing the South Industrial Park along State Highway 112. That area has proven unsuitable for large industry primarily because of poor transportation access, which requires traffic to pass through the City in order to gain access to U.S. Highway 169.

Recognizing the limitations to future growth in these two areas LSDI has been working to develop a new industrial park atop the hill on Highway 169. Since 1999, the following property acquisition and infrastructure improvements have occurred furthering efforts to develop industrial property in the Highway 169 corridor:

In 1999, LSDI purchased 59 acres of land on the east side of Highway 169 in its initial effort to establish an industrial area on the Le Sueur Hilltop. Cambria Company subsequently purchased the entire 59 acres for its manufacturing plant; which has recently completed a major expansion.

In 2005, LSDI initiated its second effort to establish an industrial park on the Le Sueur Hilltop by purchasing approximately 154 acres on the west side of Highway 169.

LSDI has annexed the property and jointly implemented a funding strategy, with the City, to install a water tower, extend water lines and provide sanitary sewer from two directions to serve the property.

Currently, LSDI and the City are working with MnDOT, industrial real estate developers and transportation/land-use planning consultants to gain insight on how to maximize the potential use and safe ingress/egress to the site.

The development of an industrial park on Highway 169 will ensure that Le Sueur has a sizable area with excellent transportation access and high visibility to meet Le Sueur’s future industrial needs. Culmination of this effort will require additional planning and cooperation to finance public improvements. However, these efforts must occur in order for Le Sueur to offer an environment conducive to maintaining and growing its industrial sector.

Ed Tschida is the executive director for Le Sueur Development, Inc.

South Industrial Park

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