Press Release: City of Hartford Transfers Former Wastewater Lagoons to Redevelopment Nonprofit

For Immediate Release: January 13, 2026

Contact: Steve Watson - steve@tetonridgellc.com

                  City of Hartford Transfers Former Wastewater Lagoons to Redevelopment Nonprofit

HARTFORD, SD – The Hartford City Council voted today to transfer approximately 71 acres of wastewater lagoon property to Gateway Hartford, Inc., a nonprofit created by local business and community leaders to facilitate the clean-up and future use of the former lagoon site.

Gateway Hartford intends on pursuing state and federal funds to help remediate the lagoons and redevelop the property over the coming years.

“We believe that property has strong redevelopment potential once we remediate the wastewater lagoons,” said Keith Matthiesen, President, Gateway Hartford, Inc. “We envision a corporate business park, new retail offerings and expanded housing along I-90 between 464th Avenue and Western Avenue.”

The City’s new mechanical wastewater treatment plant has rendered the wastewater lagoons obsolete.

“With our new wastewater treatment plant up and running, we now have a once-in-a generation opportunity to redevelop the lagoon property,” said Hartford Mayor Arden Jones. “We get one chance to create a new front door for our community. It is important we get it right.”

Gateway Hartford, Inc. is in the process of forming a steering committee that will work with nearby landowners to create a master plan for the area that would guide future development.

“As a neighboring landowner, we’re delighted at the prospect of seeing the wastewater lagoons redevelop, and are enthusiastic about participating in a master plan for the area,” said Laurie Cressman of C&C Ventures, which owns 86 acres of land adjacent to the lagoons. “It is important we establish the right covenants and restrictions in the planning process in order to create the right look and feel for the area long term. Our properties really are a window into the community from Interstate 90.”

Gateway Hartford, Inc. intends on pursuing federal funds to assist with the costs of remediation. As part of that process, a public meeting will be held January 14th from 7pm – 8pm at Hartford City Hall to provide details on a proposed cleanup plan for the wastewater lagoons, and provide the public an opportunity to review and comment on a draft Analysis of Brownfields Cleanup Alternatives (ABCA).