Lawmakers hail $1.3 billion Smithfield investment in Sioux Falls, flag water and redevelopment questions

Pierre — State lawmakers welcomed a major private investment in Sioux Falls but said details about resources and local planning will need closer review.

Carl Perry, the assistant majority leader, summarized the announcement as a $1.3 billion pork-processing investment and said it would replace an aging facility and create roughly 3,000 jobs. "At $1,300,000,000 for a pork processing plant in Sioux Falls, that's gotta be good," Perry said.

Sen. Jamie Smith (District 15) called the project "a game changing opportunity" for the state and noted the potential to redevelop about 120 acres downtown that have been tied up by an old, century‑old complex of buildings. "When Sioux Falls does well on sales tax, we fund so much more in the entire state," she said.

Lawmakers also raised practical questions. Several speakers noted the new facility will use substantial water supplies and said state agencies and developers will need to present plans for sustainable water use and infrastructure. Representative (District 32) stressed the need to balance economic gains with conservation of aquifers and surface water.

Supporters said the investment connects to broader agricultural supply chains, including recent local investments such as a bean-crush plant in Mitchell, and could stabilize markets for hog producers. Opponents were not prominent in the briefing; lawmakers said legislative decisions about incentives or state support would follow separate processes.

Next steps: lawmaker briefings and possible legislative consideration of incentives or infrastructure support were expected as details are finalized and local planning proceeds.