Watertown City Council rejects land purchase for potential north bypass loop  (Audio)

November 7, 2022
Mike Tanner

WATERTOWN, S.D.–On a split vote, the Watertown City Council rejected a recommendation from the CIty Engineering Department to purchase one acre of land from the South Dakota Department of Transportation for $10,900.

City Engineer Heath VonEye says the land, just north of the city limits at 814 26th Avenue Northwest, could be key in the development of an eventual north bypass loop around Watertown.

Councilman Mike Danforth said there’s no plan in place for any north bypass at the moment, and he called the possible land purchase, “a waste of money”…..

The vote was 4-3 against the land purchase.

Councilmen Bruce Buhler, Mike Danforth, Colin Paulsen and Randy Tupper voted no.

Councilmen Dan Schutte, Glen Vilhauer and Mayor Ried Holien voted yes.