Where does the money go? Here are key Recent accomplishments

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 The IDA purchased the Brown Shoe Company building in 1987 in Potosi. This purchase of this building saved it for industry use and was the start of economic development practices in Washington County.

  The IDA assisted Georgian Gardens in a 60-bed addition.  Georgian Gardens is currently the 12th largest employer in the county at 88 workers. Clearly, this investment helped create jobs. 

 The IDA purchased 220 acres for $165,000 which is part of the Industrial Park today, and that land is now valued at $2.2 million. This was made possible through a loan backed by county funds.  The debt was paid back in full by land sales and private donations. 

On April 6, 1993, the original 1/2 cent sales tax was proposed and passed to support the development of an Industrial Park.
The IDA landed Redwing Shoe Company, employing 224 people today. The location of the County Airport was key along with an infrastructure grant to offset renovation costs.

The IDA assisted in the development of the Washington County Health Department through a lease/purchase agreement, since paid in full.

The IDA also sold 10 acres in the Industrial Park to Union Electric. Now home to Ameren MO - Potosi Operating Center which employs 21 people.  

 The IDA sold 5 acres to Bulk Tank in the Industrial Park. Through several company changes, the property is now owned by TNT Fabrication and employs 25.

Red Wing Shoe Co. expanded operations in Potosi.

Wastewater Treatment Plant #3 was designed and built.  The treatment plant serves the Village of Mineral Point, Springtown, and the Industrial Park Businesses.  Over $1,000,000 has been invested in this infrastructure by the IDA. 

The IDA began development plans for vital infrastructure in the Industrial Park.  Having infrastructure in place is KEY for business attraction.  The City IDA and Washington County IDA partnered to build the first spec building in the park.

The IDA invested in improvements to the intersection of Highway 8 and Highway 21 in partnership with the City of Potosi, City IDA, Washington County Commission and MODOT for improved traffic flow and wider turning lanes. 

In 2010, the Washington County Industrial Park was certified as part of the Enhanced Enterprise Zone and the New Market Tax Credits program. These designations allow for tax abatement and funding options as business attraction tools, making the county more competitive.

The IDA launched its first website and began marketing efforts and exposure far beyond local networks.

The website was updated in 2023.

Check it out here: www.washingtoncomo.com

Wastewater Treatment Plant #3 became operational and connections in the Industrial Park were complete.  

Washington County was certified as a WorkReady Community.  A designation we still work to maintain.

40+/- acres was designated and rezoned to IP in 2013.