HOLIEN: Resolution on new Watertown ice arena “long overdue” (Audio)

January 26, 2021
Mike Tanner

WATERTOWN, S.D.–Two high-priced projects are before the Watertown City Council these days.

One of them is a plan to renovate the former Wells Fargo Bank building downtown, and use it as a new City Hall.

The city is buying the building for $1.3 million, but the renovation costs could push the price tag closer to $4 million before its, “move-in ready.”

A second, more expensive project, has been on the drawing board much longer. That’s a new Watertown ice arena.

Councilman Ried Holien, who chairs the local Ice Arena Committee, thinks the arena project needs to jump to the head of the line…

Estimates indicate a new two-sheet ice arena could cost upwards of $17 million.

Hockey and figure skating groups in Watertown have said they’ll cover a portion of that cost in the form of cash and in-kind donations.