August 20, 2026 (DES MOINES, IA) — Iowa’s Crossroads of Global Innovation, a 720-acre industrial park in Fort Dodge, has earned an Iowa Certified Site designation through the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), strengthening its ability to attract investment in bioscience, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy and other industrial sectors.
Located in Webster County within an established industrial corridor, the park offers access to Iowa Highway 7, with U.S. Highway 20 approximately 6 miles to the south. The site is also adjacent to rail infrastructure operated by Canadian National Railway Company and Union Pacific, providing opportunities for future rail service to large tracts within the park. Companies such as CJ Bio, Valero and Cargill operate in the surrounding area, providing an established industrial base for future development.
The designation confirms that the site has completed extensive environmental reviews, infrastructure assessments and other due diligence, helping reduce risk and accelerate project timelines for companies considering expansion or relocation. The site includes approximately 700 developable acres, with utilities located adjacent to or near the property.
“Reliable, high-speed connectivity is an essential part of today’s business infrastructure, and Webster-Calhoun is proud to provide fiber optic access to support the growth of rural Fort Dodge and the surrounding region,” said Marcie Boerner, CEO/General Manager of Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association. “This industrial park represents an exciting opportunity for companies looking to invest and grow in north-central Iowa, and we’re pleased to be part of the community-wide effort to make the site development-ready. Fiber connectivity gives prospective businesses another important piece of the infrastructure they need to compete, innovate and succeed.”
“Site certification shows that a community has done key preparation upfront to compete for new investment and jobs when opportunities arise,” said Debi Durham, director of IEDA and the Iowa Finance Authority. “That can make all the difference when a company is looking for a place to grow. Fort Dodge has built a strong foundation for future growth, and this certification reflects the commitment it takes to be ready when the right project comes along.”
Durham joined local leaders and economic development partners today for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the designation.
“Earning Iowa Certified Site designation is more than a milestone; it’s a statement that the Fort Dodge region is ready and open for business,” said Astra Ferris, chief executive officer of the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance. “At Iowa’s Crossroads of Global Innovation, this 720-acre ag park site certification reflects years of collaboration among our local governments, utility partners, educational institutions and landowners to ensure we attract and grow together.”
Fort Dodge’s certification was supported through the Iowa Rural Certified Site Initiative, created during the 2024 legislative session to help rural communities offset the costs of preparing industrial sites for certification and development. The Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance was one of five recipients selected in the initiative’s inaugural funding round in 2025.
Since its launch in 2012, the Iowa Certified Site program has evolved alongside industry and site selection standards to become one of the most comprehensive in the nation. Certified sites in Iowa have attracted more than $2.3 billion in capital investment.
The certification process is overseen by Quest Site Solutions, a site selection firm based in Greenville, South Carolina. The independent review evaluates environmental, infrastructure and other site-readiness factors to ensure certified sites are prepared for investment.
For more information about the site:
Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance: https://www.greaterfortdodge.com/certified-industrial-park/
Iowa Economic Development & Finance Authority https://opportunityiowa.gov/iowas-crossroads-global-innovation
Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association provides Landline Telephone, Digital TV and Internet service to 21 rural communities on a Fiber driven network just outside the Fort Dodge, Iowa area: Pilot Mound, Boxholm, Lanyon, Paton, Churdan, Farnhamville, Gowrie, Somers, Moorland, Knierim, Barnum, Clare, Thor, Badger, Vincent, Duncombe, in the towns of Lohrville, Manson, Rockwell City and Lake City and rural Fort Dodge. www.wccta.com
WCCTA is Gigabit Certified and designated a Smart Rural Community by NTCA: the Rural Broadband Association.
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