On behalf of our 515 members and their employees, the Brookings Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors urges the city council to submit an application to the U.S. Department of Transportation for funds to invest in the I-29/20th Street South interchange via the “Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development” (BUILD) grant.  

Some of Brookings’ largest employers are located east of I-29, and these businesses are growing – fast. Falcon Plastics alone has increased sales over 80% in the past 10 years. 

It is our hope that as these businesses invest and grow they see the City of Brookings doing the same to provide the infrastructure necessary to thrive and, in turn, continue to call Brookings home. An additional interchange would provide accessibility to hundreds of other small businesses and amenities, as well as spur economic development along 20th Street South/22nd Avenue South.    

Brookings boasts wonderful family-friendly amenities, all available in a large community with a small-town feel, but when driving down 6th Street at the wrong time of day that sense of small-town charm vanishes. By building the proposed interchange, traffic will be dispersed, reducing travel times and improving safety. 

In 2000, the City of Brookings comprehensive plan specifically cited the need for an interchange at I-29/20th Street South. Since then, the population of Brookings has increased over 24% and is estimated to continue that trajectory. Brookings is growing and needs the proper infrastructure to support that growth.   

The Brookings Area Chamber of Commerce appreciates all the City of Brookings does to make our home a safe, inclusive, family-friendly place to live and the Chamber is excited for what the future will bring to our amazing community. We support the city council in a decision to apply to the BUILD grant for an interchange at I-29 and 20th Street South.