Construction on the Bakken Area Skills Center has begun with the ceremonial groundbreaking on July 18, 2022. This center has been in the works for years and will be a place for hands-on technical training for both high school students and those already in the workforce. Construction is hoped to be finished by late 2023. Financial commitments to the project have been coming in from a variety of entities including North Dakota Career and Technical Education, McKenzie County Economic Development, McKenzie County School District #1, ONEOK, Stenehjem Holdings, Titan Energy Services, City of Watford City, Fort Union Masonic Lodge #128, Chord Energy, Northern States Fishing Tools, ConocoPhillips, Marathon, Carl E Rogan Post 29 American Legion, and Grayson Mill Energy. Financial contributions are still being accepted. Visit here for more information.