The April economy at a glance is now available. Some data of note include:
Matt Hanson is the new CEO for McKenzie Electric Cooperative. Hanson has over 17 years of experience in the field. Hanson most recently served as McKenzie Electric’s Chief Operating Officer and is taking the place of the now-retired John Skurupey. See more in this press release.
The March Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include:
The Bakken Area Skills Center is $6.6 million closer to reality. The North Dakota State Board for Career and Technical Education awarded $6.6 million towards the project and indicates more may be coming. See more in this update from McKenzie County School District #1 Superintendent Steve Holen.
The February Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include:
The Bismarck Bucks football team will begin their training this year starting February 24 at the Rough Rider Center. While here there will also be a Young Bucks Training Camp for kids ages 5-15 on February 27, as well as a scrimmage on March 4.
Enrollment for McKenzie County Public School District #1 is projected to increase 1,000 students within the next decade. That is according to a recently-released study presented to the school board this month. The largest class this school year is kindergarten at 176 students, the smallest class is the seniors at 92. The study recommends the school district start considering plans for a third elementary school as well as ways to ensure adequate space in the middle school as the district enrollment continues to grow.
Employment for North Dakota Region 1 which includes the counties of McKenzie, Williams, and Divide is projected to increase from 38,221 in 2020 to 44,537 in 2030 which is a 16.5% increase. Employment for North Dakota is projected to increase from 453,632 in 2020 to 499,288 in 2030, a 10.1% increase. Region 1’s growth rate is just below that of Region 5 which includes Fargo and its surrounding area. See more in this report from the Labor Market Information Center of Job Service North Dakota.
Progress continues in getting Highway 85 4 laned from the Watford City bypass to the Long X Bridge near Theodore Roosevelt National Park. According to the Theodore Roosevelt Expressway Association, right of way is currently being acquired, which is anticipated to be completed by this summer. Utility movement should be completed by this fall, as well as project bidding. One could see construction commence by 2023. As the graphic shows, US Highway 85 consistently sees very high volumes of oversize/overweight vehicles that is similar to, or greater than, 4-lane roads in North Dakota.
