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Plans to build a natural gas-fired plant in North Dakota
Basin Electric Cooperative plans to construct a 1,400-megawatt natural gas-fired power plant in North Dakota, making it the cooperative’s largest power-generating facility and its largest capital expenditure project. CEO Todd Brickhouse announced the plan at the Williston Basin Petroleum Conference, noting that the facility, to be operational by 2030 or earlier, will cost billions and use about 7% of North Dakota's current natural gas production. The exact location will depend on pipeline negotiations, and the project requires board and regulatory approvals. Julie Fedorchak of the Public Service Commission welcomed the project, emphasizing the need for more power generation in the state. The new plant will complement Basin Electric’s existing natural gas plants and address the state's excess gas from oil production. The announcement comes amidst rising electricity consumption due to North Dakota's energy industry and challenges from new federal regulations on coal-fired power plants. Read more about this ND Monitor story here.
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McKenzie County Fair
The 65th Annual McKenzie County Fair is scheduled for June 12-15 at the McKenzie County Ag Expo. Entertainment highlights of the fair include a demolition derby, rodeo, 4H livestock show, and much more! There will also be the Olaf Leiseth Jr. Memorial Draft Horse Competition on Wednesday, June 12, and a vibrant fair parade on Thursday, June 13. Visitors can look forward to the 4-H animal shows and the carnival running from Thursday-Saturday. Click here to learn more and mark your calendars for the 2024 McKenzie County Fair!
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Ribfest entertainment announced
Best of the West Ribfest has announced its 2024 entertainment! Country singer and performer Easton Corbin will be the country headliner and Steve Augeri, former lead singer of Journey, will be the rock headliner. Mark your calendars and come on down to Main Street, Watford City on August 9 for the great food and entertainment!
Find more Ribfest details here.
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May Economy at a Glance
The May Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include:
McKenzie County's oil production in March 2024 was 12,015,564 barrels; in March 2023 it was 11,971,108 barrels.
The number of LoadPass Permits for McKenzie County in April 2024 was 2,954; in April 2023 it was 2,548.
McKenzie County's labor force in March 2024 was 9,960; in March 2023 it was 9,586.
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End of the Rope now available to stream
The End of the Rope film is now available to stream on Apple and Amazon prime streaming. If you haven't seen the infamous true story of the last lynching in North Dakota, which was filmed and set in McKenzie County, click here to watch a trailer and head to those services to stream the movie today!
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Watford City property tax exemption
Watford City has approved a property tax exemption for new homeowners to encourage housing construction. The exemption, applicable to single-family homes built after March 1, reduces the home's taxable value by $150,000 for two years. This initiative aims to address the slow pace of housing development, with only a few permits issued last year. The exemption applies only to the dwelling, not the land, and can be claimed by contacting the city assessor's office at 701-444-8401. Learn more by watching the KFYR story here.
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Get ready for Watford City's Food Truck Rodeo
701 Food Trucks are on their way to Watford City again this year for the 2024 Food Truck Rodeo! Mark your calendars for June 7-9 and come to the Rough Rider Center for a diverse mix of food vendors and good family fun!
Find more details here.
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Connecting Community BBQ
The Western Region Economic Development (WRED) is hosting a free BBQ event at City Park in Alexander on Tuesday, June 11. There will be a free meal, giveaways and much more!
KEYZ AM 660 News Radio will have a live radio broadcast at the event. Everyone is invited and welcome to join this fun community event.
Find more details here.
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McKenzie County and Watford City attend 2024 Williston Basin Petroleum Conference
The Long X Development Team, alongside McKenzie County and Watford City representatives, attended the 2024 Williston Basin Petroleum Conference in Bismarck, May 14-16! Throughout the 3-day conference, attendees gained valuable insights into the state of the Bakken and the future of our region's energy landscape!
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Register for ND Main Street Summit 2024
Following the cancellation of the 2023 Summit due to inclement weather, the 2024 Main Street ND Summit will return to Watford City, August 27, 28 and 29. This year's theme, "Regional Prosperity", is the call to action to help energize the community and build a brighter future for everyone. This year's summit is your chance to join forces with local leaders, experts and passionate citizens. Register for the 2024 Main Street ND Summit today!
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Watford City community survey on redevelopment
Over the last 15 years, Watford City has been at the center of U.S. energy production, unleashed through the extraction of Bakken oil and natural gas. As a result, the community has experienced one of the largest population growths by percentage in the U.S. during that same period. As we continue to grow and evolve, we are looking at new opportunities for development and redevelopment in the community.
Thanks to a recent Rural Facility Planning Grant awarded from the ND Department of Commerce, we are currently creating a redevelopment plan and vision for three underutilized areas within the city. The goal of this plan is to drive developer interest and investment in overlooked areas, increase residential and commercial tax base in the community, provide needed critical infrastructure (such as housing and critical services) and provide additional quality-of-life amenities for residents.
You can help shape the future of Watford City by taking the survey to share your redevelopment vision. The survey will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete, and your responses are confidential. Scan the QR Code above or click here to take the survey.
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Strong Women, Strong Connections event
Mark your calendars and get tickets for the Strong Women, Strong Connections (SWSC) event happening on Friday, June 28 in Watford City. During SWSC, attendees will engage with a panel of local business owners about their experiences in ownership, explore challenges and solutions and make connections with peers and other business resources who can help them move forward on their business journey. Click here for more information and to register for this great event!
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Registration open for the NDPC's 3rd Annual Birds & Birdies
The North Dakota Petroleum Council's (NDPC) 3rd Annual Birds & Birdies event will be held on June 4, 2024 in Watford City, ND. This charity event includes a morning of shooting skeet, rimfire and bow at the McKenzie County Sportsmen's Club, followed by 18 holes of golf at the Fox Hills Golf Course. Registration for the event is now open. Click here to learn more and to register.
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"Living in McKenzie County" community magazine
"Living in McKenzie County" is a community magazine designed to assist both new and existing residents in establishing connections within the community and exploring the myriad opportunities available in McKenzie County. This comprehensive 48-page publication (front-to-back) features a wealth of information, ranging from local attractions and annual events to workforce resources and childcare options. Delve into firsthand accounts from community members and access exclusive content by scanning the numerous QR codes, including the enlightening "Voices of Watford" series and other engaging videos showcasing the county's vibrant lifestyle. Whether you're seeking leisure activities or essential services, "Living in McKenzie County" has you covered. Access the digital version by clicking here, or contact John Suter, McKenzie County Economic Development Technology & Communications Specialist, at 701-444-8855 to request a printed copy.
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Upcoming Events in McKenzie County
Be sure to check out the Community Events Calendar regularly to stay up-to-date on upcoming events and activities in the area!
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