478-acre Hamilton County industrial park strengthens Iowa’s portfolio of development-ready sites
DES MOINES, Iowa — June 25, 2026 — The Webster City Gateway Industrial Park has earned an Iowa Certified Site designation through the Iowa Economic Development Authority, positioning one of the state’s largest development-ready industrial sites for future business growth, job creation and capital investment.
Located on the south side of Webster City in Hamilton County, the 478-acre industrial park sits adjacent to U.S. Highway 20 and is bisected by Iowa Highway 17. The designation confirms the site has completed extensive environmental reviews, infrastructure assessments and other due diligence requirements designed to reduce risk and accelerate project timelines for companies considering expansion or relocation in Iowa.
The Webster City Gateway Industrial Park offers immediate access to Highway 20 and is located approximately 12 miles west of Interstate 35, providing companies with connectivity to key east-west and north-south transportation corridors. A Union Pacific mainline rail corridor adjacent to the property also creates opportunities for future rail service extensions.
“Companies looking to grow want sites that are ready to move at the speed of business,” said Debi Durham, director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority. “The Webster City Gateway Industrial Park offers the size, transportation access and infrastructure potential that many modern industrial projects require. This certification demonstrates Webster City’s commitment to future growth and strengthens Iowa’s ability to compete for new jobs and investment.”
Durham joined Webster City leaders and economic development partners today for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the site’s certification.
“Achieving site certification for the Webster City Gateway Industrial Park is a significant milestone for our community and a testament to years of planning, partnership and investment,” said John Hawkins, mayor of Webster City. “This certification demonstrates that Webster City is ready for business and prepared to support future industrial growth.”
“As we celebrate the opening of this premier development site, we are sending a clear message to companies looking to expand or relocate: Webster City offers the infrastructure, workforce and community support needed for long-term success,” Hawkins added. “We appreciate the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s partnership throughout this process and look forward to the opportunities this certification will create for our residents, businesses and region.”
The Iowa Certified Site program, launched in 2012, is among the most comprehensive site certification programs in the country. The program has continued to evolve alongside industry and site selection standards, helping communities prepare locations for competitive industrial development opportunities. Certified sites in Iowa have attracted more than $2.3 billion in capital investment, underscoring the importance of site readiness in today’s economic development landscape.
Webster City’s certification was supported through the Iowa Rural Certified Site Initiative, a program established during the 2024 legislative session to help rural communities offset costs associated with preparing industrial sites for certification and future development. Webster City was among the first communities selected to participate in the initiative.
The certification process is overseen by Quest Site Solutions, a nationally recognized site selection firm based in Greenville, South Carolina. The independent review process gives companies confidence that certified sites have been thoroughly evaluated and are prepared for investment.
To learn more about the Iowa Certified Site program and explore certified locations across the state, visit iowaeda.com/certifiedsites.
Media Contact:
Ms. Kanan Kappelman
Iowa Economic Development Authority
515.348.6248
communications@iowaeda.com
