Colman eyes major growth and infrastructure improvements for 2025
Rapid growth is not a typical challenge for small towns in rural South Dakota, but Colman city leaders are preparing for significant changes and improvements in 2025.
Aging infrastructure is driving many of the updates, but so is the increasing interest in living in and around the community. As part of our ongoing series on the year ahead in Moody County, this week we take a closer look at whats in store for Colman.
What to watch for in 2025:
Infrastructure Upgrades: Final phase of water and sewer line replacements, including new installations to support development in the southeast part of town.
Residential Expansion: Growth in Sunrise Ridge Estates and areas near the golf course.
Highway 34 Roadwork: The $10.88 million project will include a center turn lane, updated storm sewer and pipe, lighting, and a new concrete surface.
New Bike Path/Sidewalk: The above project will also include a new bike and pedestrian path and lighting as pedestrian safety becomes a top priority along the busy highway.
Golf Course Enhancements: To make the course more appealing and playable regardless of the conditions, a new irrigation system has been added.
Infrastructure Upgrades
Replacing aging water and sewer lines remains a top priority for Colman in 2025. A multi-phase project, partially funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), is nearing its final phase. New water and sewer lines are being installed to support growing developments on the southeast side of town, while a new sewer liner will replace deteriorating systems, dating back 50-100 years, on the west end of town.
Residential Development
Colman is experiencing significant residential expansion, particularly along the western edge of the golf course and in the Sunrise Ridge Estates addition. Two homes currently under construction are available for sale, with 30 to 40 lots remaining in the developments second phase.
Highway 34 Road Improvements
The Highway 34 corridor through Colman is set to undergo a major transformation in 2025, with construction slated to begin this spring. The project aims to better accommodate increased traffic from Madison and beyond as more people and businesses move to the area. Hulstein Excavating of Edgerton, Minnesota, will lead the $10.88 million project, which includes grading, PCC surfacing, curb and gutter installation, sidewalks, lighting, and water and sewer system upgrades. The work will span from 469th Avenue to Colmans eastern city limits.
New Sidewalks
More on those sidewalks: To enhance pedestrian safety, a new sidewalk will be constructed consecutively along the northern edge of Highway 34. This addition will connect T&R Electric on the west side of town to the business park on the east, home to Dollar General and a new bank.
With the amount of traffic on Highway 34, its much safer for people to walk on a sidewalk instead of along the highways edge, said Mayor Mike Preheim.
It will also benefit campers who walk to Classic Corner for essentials during their stay.
Golf Course Improvements
Colmans family-friendly golf course is also seeing upgrades. A new irrigation system, funded in large part by private donors, fundraisers, member fees, and other means, is complete. Additional updates to the clubhouse and nearby parks aim to attract more visitors to the community.
Colman faces its share of challenges in the year ahead. Ongoing sewer projects and the Highway 34 expansion mean parts of the city will be under construction for much of 2025. What that looks like, we will preview in advance of construction beginning.
Despite the disruptions, these projects, combined with new residential developments and quality-of-life improvements, signal good things for Colman. A population of 654 was recorded in the 2023 census, but the citys growth suggests that it may look very different after the next count.
Hawks focus on facilities, career programs in 2025
For years, the Colman-Egan School District has discussed the need for expansion.
Class sizes continue to grow as young families move to the area, longtime local families grow, and families from neighboring districts transfer to Colman-Egan for the opportunities it offers.
2025 could be a pivotal year, particularly as the state legislature addresses school vouchers. This issue will likely have an impact on enrollment as we head into the fall school year, though the full story continues to unfold.
In the meantime, Hawks Superintendent Scott Hemmer highlighted several developments for the district in the coming year:
School Addition Completion: The new addition is expected to be finished by late spring or early summer, with students starting classes in the new space come fall. While some changes will affect classes and teacher assignments, the expansion is designed to better serve students.
Potential Athletic Complex: Millions allocated for the expansion may go unused due to lower-than-expected bids. A special committee is exploring the possibility of a new track and football field complex as well as additional projects within the district.
School Voucher Program: As discussed last week, the district is closely monitoring the states stance on school vouchers and funding. We must continue to be diligent with our funds, as this is the first time in recent years that we are not seeing a substantial increase, Hemmer said.
New Opportunities for Students: The district is focused on expanding career-oriented opportunities for students, including internships, to ensure they are equipped with the tools needed for success after graduation.
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