The Department of Economic Development (DED) announced today that SEMO Industrial Park, located in Scott City, is now a Missouri Certified Site. As a Missouri Certified Site, the 380-acre SEMO Industrial Park indicates it is shovel-ready for companies looking to establish business in southeast Missouri.
“DED is pleased to announce SEMO Industrial Park’s official status as a Missouri Certified Site,” said Michelle Hataway, Director of the Department of Economic Development. “This certification signals that the site is ready for business investment that will create jobs, strengthen the local economy, and help Missourians prosper.”
As a Certified Site of the Missouri Certified Site program, SEMO Industrial Park joins more than 30 other sites statewide that are recognized as development-ready. Certified sites meet a set of standards designed to eliminate risk and expedite a company’s move to a new location. Items reviewed include the availability of utilities, site access, environmental concerns, land use conformance, and potential site development costs.
“Achieving Certified Site status confirms SEMO Industrial Park as a premier business destination,” said Shad Burner, CEO of SEMO REDI. “With Amazon’s commitment and ongoing infrastructure development, we’re positioned for strong economic momentum.”
SEMO Industrial Park secured a commitment from Amazon earlier this year for a 61,000-square-foot facility that will create 70 new jobs. Among the site’s advantages is its strategic placement near major transportation routes, including Interstate 55, Cape Girardeau Regional Airport, and the Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority.
“Scott City is committed to recruiting businesses to the SEMO Industrial Park,” said Dustin Whitworth, Scott City Administrator. “We have pre-approved an aggressive incentive package that includes a 15-year property tax abatement plan starting at 90% for any qualified business.”
Infrastructure development for SEMO Industrial Park began in mid-2023, with completion expected by August 2025. Available parcels range from five to 20-plus acres that are ready to support new businesses. Lorimont Commercial Real Estate serves as the site’s broker. Those interested in available parcels at SEMO Industrial Park can learn more at SEMOIP.com.
“This certification is a key milestone for us,” said Gregg Erb, Co-owner of SEMO Industrial Park. “It underscores the vision and hard work invested in transforming this site into an ideal location for business growth. The park’s strategic location paired with the area’s robust infrastructure and strong workforce set the stage for Southeast Missouri’s continued economic expansion.”
Scott City received a $2.5 million grant through the ARPA Industrial Site Development Grant Program in 2023 for the development of SEMO Industrial Park.
About Missouri Certified Sites
The purpose of the Missouri Certified Sites program is to define benchmarks consistent with national economic development industry standards regarding the availability and potential of commercial or industrial development sites. Certification is performed through a comprehensive review of many of the issues facing businesses as they search for areas to relocate or expand. These include the availability of utilities, site access, environmental concerns, land use conformance, and site development costs.
Communities seeking site certification can submit applications year-round. Missouri’s growing list of development-ready Certified Sites is available on DED’s website.
About the Missouri Department of Economic Development
The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) works to create an environment that encourages economic growth by supporting Missouri’s businesses and diverse industries, strengthening our communities, developing a talented and skilled workforce, and maintaining a high quality of life. As one team built around the customer and driven by data, DED aspires to be the best economic development department in the Midwest. Through its various initiatives, DED is helping create opportunities for Missourians to prosper.
For the latest updates on DED’s current or future programs and initiatives, visit DED’s website.
About SEMO REDI
Southeast Missouri Regional Economic Development, Inc. (SEMO REDI) is dedicated to fostering economic growth and enhancing the quality of life in Southeast Missouri. By creating and expanding economic opportunities and providing a supportive environment for businesses, SEMO REDI aims to contribute to a prosperous and vibrant regional economy.