Webster City Gateway Industrial Park Receives Iowa Certified Site Designation

The Webster City Gateway Industrial Park was officially designated as an Iowa Certified Site on April 9, 2026. The 478-acre, rail-served property received the certification through the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s (IEDA) Certified Site Program, a move intended to accelerate economic development within Hamilton County and the Central Iowa region.

The designation serves as a verification that the site meets rigorous standards regarding infrastructure, availability, and development readiness. This comprehensive certification process evaluates several key factors to ensure the land is ready for immediate use by potential investors, including utility access, land ownership, transportation infrastructure, and environmental considerations.

Strategic Location and Infrastructure

The industrial park is strategically positioned to support large-scale logistics and manufacturing operations. The site is located adjacent to Iowa Highways 17 and 20 and is situated minutes from Interstate 35. Its rail-served capability further enhances its appeal to companies requiring heavy transport options.

According to the IEDA, the certification process is designed to eliminate unknowns that frequently delay industrial projects. By providing verified data on site readiness, the program aims to give businesses greater confidence and a faster speed-to-market, which are viewed as critical factors in a competitive economic landscape.

Regional Collaboration

The achievement of the site certification was the result of a collaborative partnership involving several regional entities. Those involved in the effort included the City of Webster City, the Ames Regional Economic Alliance, the Hamilton County Growth Partnership, and the Iowa Economic Development Authority.

This certification is a testament to what can be accomplished through strong regional collaboration. By working together across communities and organizations, we are creating opportunities that are far greater than any one entity could achieve alone. The Webster City Gateway Industrial Park is a transformative asset for this region, positioning us to compete for high-quality projects and long-term investment.

Dan Culhane, President & CEO of the Ames Regional Economic Alliance

Economic Context and State Comparisons

The IEDA’s Certified Site program, launched in 2012, has been utilized by various communities across Iowa to attract capital investment. The authority has reported that communities using the program have seen more than $2.2 billion in capital investment on certified sites.

At 478 acres, the Webster City Gateway Industrial Park is one of the larger prepared sites in the state. For comparison, other significant certified sites in Iowa include:

• The Mills Crossing Mega Site in Glenwood, which features 1,650 developable acres.
• The Cedar Rapids Land & Air Super Park, which spans 582 acres.
• Innovation Park in Oskaloosa, which covers 499.6 acres.

The scale of the Webster City site is part of a broader strategy to attract very large development projects. In February 2025, the Webster City City Council voted unanimously to expand and certify the city’s Southeast Industrial Park. While that park was originally 36 acres, the long-term plan identified the potential to expand the area to 600 acres to increase its marketing appeal to major corporations.

The certification of the 478-acre Gateway Industrial Park marks a significant step in that expansion and readiness strategy, positioning the region to compete for high-quality industrial projects and long-term investment.