Webster County Profile

Transportation and Logistics

Transportation and logistics are essential to move people and goods into and out of the community. Businesses in The Greater Fort Dodge Area enjoy the advantage of our strategic, Midwest location and our robust transportation network

Air

Functioning as a hub for the whole region, Fort Dodge Regional Airport (FOD) conveniently serves Greater Fort Dodge with daily flights to St. Louis, Minneapolis, and Chicago. The airport offers free parking and short check-in and security lines.

The nearby Des Moines International Airport (DSM) is served by eight commercial carriers with more than 120 domestic flights per day. From Des Moines, passengers now have non-stop access to 19 destinations, and international flights are easily made with one connection in other major cities.

Bus

The Dodger Area Rapid Transit System (DART) serves the Greater Fort Dodge Area from its main office at 530 1st Ave South. Managed by the Mid-Iowa Development Association (MIDAS) Council of Governments, DART has a fleet of 21 accessible buses equipped with mobile data terminals that transmit rider pick-up and drop-off schedules to drivers. They are also being equipped with on board cameras as new buses are regularly added to the fleet.

The DART System runs seven fixed routes on week-days, covering every corner of the city, starting at 7 a.m., and running through 6 p.m. Routes, fares, and schedules are available at http://www.midascog.net/transit/dart.

Rail

The Greater Fort Dodge Area is served by two class-one railroads, the Union Pacific Railroad and Canadian National. The ability to choose which rail service to use gives you the flexibility and leverage to plan your train rides depending on your needs and your budget.

There are rail-served sites as well as trans-load services available within the community.

Road

Fort Dodge is situated on US Highway 20 and US Highway 169. Within a 35-mile range, you can access Interstate 35 through four-lane US Highway 20. You can also access Interstate 80 traversing east and west within 70 miles - all four lane access.

You will be able to transport goods from, and to the Greater Fort Dodge Area, from your facility efficiently and cost effectively.

Utilities

A key consideration for any expanding or relocating business is the utility grid. Accessing the right utilities with an eye on future growth ensures a stable environment for doing business. In Greater Fort Dodge, our state-of-the-art providers are leading the way for Iowa and for the nation.

Natural Gas and Electrical

MidAmerican Energy Company services Fort Dodge and Webster County with both electric and natural gas. Generation capacity is 8,535 megawatts. With its Midwest location, MidAmerican is perfectly situated for wind, and has become a national leader in sustainable generation—in April, 2016, the company announced its intention to switch to 100 percent renewable energy.

Additionally, the company has a strong record of service in the business community. In 2011, MidAmerican Energy ranked first in the Midwest Region in the J.D. Power and Associates business electric, residential electric and business natural gas customer satisfaction surveys.

Telecommunications

Frontier Communications

Frontier Communications offers residential and business customers a variety of high-speed internet options, as well as local and long distance landlines, and DISH satellite TV services and related products.

Frontier has a 100 percent U.S.-based workforce. When adding to its employee base Frontier gives special consideration to veterans through a military-hiring program.

Frontier’s technicians live and work locally and are focused on putting the customer first. Frontier looks forward to helping local businesses succeed by providing great communication products and excellent customer service.

Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association

Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association was incorporated in 1954 and currently has approximately 4,000 subscribers from 16 communities in rural north central Iowa. As a cooperative it is locally based, owned by all its members, and at a reasonable cost provides the best possible service to all of its subscribers. WCCTA is diversifying services through other new and exciting ventures such as Digital Television, Internet, long distance, wireless, and exchange acquisitions while continuing to modernize service with fiber optic cable, Ethernet services, digital switching upgrades and CLASS custom calling features.

Mediacom

Mediacom Business is a leading provider of broadband, telecommunications, and digital music and television services. You might know our name from the quality of the residential services we provide, but Mediacom Business means Business. We focus exclusively on providing innovative digital communications services to companies of all sizes. Our customers even enjoy the benefit of 100 percent fiber optic network dedicated exclusively to our business customers.

Waste Water

The waste water treatment, is a key concern for businesses, especially in the manufacturing and industrial sectors. Fort Dodge boasts a state-of-the-art infrastructure and competitive pricing.

Repeat up-to-date rate info etc. from old site

Water

The City of Fort Dodge Water Department is dedicated to offer an appropriate supply of pure and high quality water at a reasonable price to the businesses and residents of The Greater Fort Dodge Area. We are committed to deliver a convenient, dependable and friendly service to all of our customers.