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Little Boomtown: Watford City KXMB News
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November 15, 2011
Nov 13 2011 11:20PM
KXMBTV Bismarck
Watch the KXMB Bismarck News Video
There's ONE economic development director for McKenzie County.
In the past 15 years, Gene Veeder's job has changed from trying keep the rural area alive with opportunity.... to reacting to an explosion of growth.
Here's the first in a series on the oil boom out west.
Take a look at the "little boomtown" in the badlands... Watford City.
A drive through the Badlands is a lot busier and noisier than ever before
(Gene Veeder/Economic Develop. Director For Mckenzie County) "When I was hired here, everybody was worried about everybody moving out." Everybody now seems to be moving through the rural area, causing quite a commotion here and across the country
(Veeder) "I've had days where I talk to 2,3 national press people in a day, from CNN to New York Times to NBC all in one day." They're calling about the jobs, the economy and growth
(Veeder) "It's good times for us, there's a lot to do." For the past 15 years, Gene Veeder's been trying get people to move here
But times are a'changin'
(Veeder) "The census of 2010 was of course out of date the minute it hit the streets." He estimates a population of 1600 just 16 months ago, to around 6,500 now
All because of what lies beneath
They've known about oil since the 50s, a rich history that's become much more rich recently
(Veeder) "There aren't as many millionaires out here as people think, the key to the economy is the jobs that this has produced." Work is everywhere, but you have to get to it
(Veeder) "Traffic has been a real issue for us, McKenzie county is unique, there's only three roads into our county and so, the impact on the county and state highways has been biggest challenge for us." Highway 85 has become a beaten-down path full of safety and congestion concerns
(Veeder) "Probably the biggest complaint is what happened to our roads, county roads, are just hard to keep up with, McKenzie county has used all our reserves, the state has helped us, but traveling back and forth on rural roads is a big piece
Another big piece, where to live, and where can you afford to live? (Veeder)"The day of finding a cheap home in western North Dakota is gone, many are finding it's more cost-effective to build a new home." Veeder says 60-70 homes are being built right now and will be done in a few months
200 homes are planned
(Veeder) "Our job is to get more homes and more apartments built, if you believe in the economic theories of supply and demand, get more built, those prices will come down." There is a lot that comes with the "price" of oil
But overall, this Little Boomtown is a blueprint for many "carpenters" in oil country
(Veeder) "It's like building a house, while you're living in it, it's not going to be fun, it's really a pain, but you have to do it right and good things will come from it."
According to the North Dakota Oil, Gas Division, there are currently 56 active drilling rigs in Mckenzie County.
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