DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Four Iowa cities have had economic development sites certified under a new state program designed to have land project-ready for industrial development. Gov. Terry Branstad says the first four Iowa Certified Site Program properties are in Dexter, Fort Dodge, Iowa Falls, and Van Meter.

The program run by the Iowa Economic Development Authority is an effort to address the lack of project-ready industrial sites. IEDA Director Debi Durham says the state has lost projects because sites weren’t ready for immediate development. The department has spent about $244,000 to hire a consultant to help complete air permits, archaeological sampling, and ensure no wetlands are present. The certification process took two years to complete

Site certification is a growing trend. Branstad says certification allows Iowa to better compete for large-scale projects.