North Dakota has the lowest rate of electricity in the country, according to recent data taken from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. As of December 2022, the U.S. pays an average of $14.96 cents per kilowatt-hour for residential electricity, compared to North Dakota paying $9.62. Learn more on the cost of electricity here.
The North Dakota Department of Transportation has approved the beginning stages of construction on the expansion of Highway 85. The approval will pave the way to expand Highway 85 to a four-lane highway between Watford City and the Long X Bridge. Construction is set to begin later this spring. Read more on the expansion here.
According to a study conducted by North Dakota State University Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics and Center for Social Research, the oil and gas industry in North Dakota attributed $42.58 billion in gross business volume, which is the business generated from direct sales and indirect economic activity throughout the state. The study also found that the oil and gas industry attributed to almost 50,000 jobs and made $3.8 billion in state and local revenues in 2021. Read more of the economic impact study here.
Taxable sales and purchases for McKenzie County increased 27% when comparing 2022Q3 to 2021Q3 according to data recently released by the ND Tax Commission office. For the same time period, North Dakota’s taxable sales and purchases also increased 27%.
McKenzie County Public School District #1’s enrollment is projected to increase 359 students in the next five years, and an additional 391 students in the five years following that for an enrollment of 2,765 students. This is according to recently released projections that were presented to the school board. See the report here.
A new restaurant in Watford City is set to open the beginning of March! The Shed, will be a scratch-made buffet featuring “all the home-cooked classics.” Find them nearby Cashwise at 113 6th Ave SE Suite 5300, Watford City, ND.
Employment for North Dakota Region 1 which includes the counties of McKenzie, Williams, and Divide is projected to increase from 35,641 in 2021 to 46,212 in 2031 which is a 29.7% increase. Employment for North Dakota is projected to increase from 456,703 in 2021 to 499,750 in 2031, a 9.4% increase. Region 1’s projected growth rate is the highest in the state of North Dakota. See more in this report from the Labor Market Information Center of Job Service North Dakota.
On January 4th the first baby was born at McKenzie County Healthcare Systems after the announcement of the addition of Labor and Delivery services late last year. Labor and Deliver services had been ended in 1990s here, but they are now available again! Appointments for women’s health services at McKenzie County Healthcare Systems can be made by calling 701-842-3771.
The January Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include:
More videos highlighting community members are now available on the www.voicesofwatford.com website!
When it comes to being a part of building something special in Watford City, Mr. Green and Mr. Spacher share Watford City’s secret sauce…
When rangeland ecologist, Kara Novakovich sought to start her native grasslands and prairie conservation career, she found a special place and special work family in Watford City, where the deer and and the bison roam and cowboys will give you the shirt off their backs…
