Sioux Falls voters rejected a measure banning new meatpacking plants from coming to the city.
The initiated measure was on the November general election ballot for Sioux Falls voters. According to the Secretary of State, 52% voted against the proposed ordinance, while 48% supported. That's a difference of about 3,000 votes.
If passed, the ordinance would have prohibited meatpacking plants from being built within Sioux Falls city limits.
A citizens group launched a petition drive to get the measure on the ballot. It was in response to a proposal by Wholestone Foods to construct a $500 million meatpacking plant on the east side of the city. That plant will process six million hogs annually.
Supporters of the measure voiced concerns about the plant’s odor and impact on the environment. Opponents said the plant will bring new jobs, and that stopping it could chill future business investments in the city.
