In 2022, a deep underground neutrino detector was set to be housed at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in Lead, South Dakota. The detector, which will capture particles fired from almost a thousand miles away at Fermilab in Illinois, is expected to have a significant impact on the state’s economy.
The LBNF construction project and on-site staff generated over $270 million in economic impact and created or sustained over 1,500 jobs during the fiscal year 2022 alone. Additionally, the presence of people in Lead led to more tax dollars for the city and increased revenue for local businesses.
The construction of the detector required moving 800,000 tons of rock from a mile underground in Lead with a subcontractor employing at least 40 people on-site. This challenging task was completed with great success.
The impact of Fermilab’s project on South Dakota is expected to continue growing into the future, with a projected economic impact of about $4.3 billion and sustaining an average of 2,750 jobs per year through fiscal year 2030. Although these numbers encompass both states involved in the project, a significant portion of the impact is expected to benefit South Dakota.
