Updated school enrollment projections

Board members for McKenzie County School District #1 received updated enrollment projections for the next 10 years at their recent meeting. Projections are for continued growth, but at a rate slower than the past 10 years of extremely rapid growth.

/by

Highlighting Career and Technical Education

February is Career and Technical Education month and Watford City High School recently released a video highlighting current career and technical education opportunities. Currently there is coursework offered in Agriculture, Healthcare, Family and Consumer Science, Information Technology, and Business. Work is underway in how to continue to improve the offerings and experience to help students be more informed with their career choices.

/by

February Economy at a Glance

The February Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include:
  • McKenzie County’s December 2020 unemployment rate decreased to 8.0% from 8.5% in November 2020.
  • Brookledge apartment occupancy rate for February 2021 remained the same at 60% when compared to the January 2021 rate.
  • McKenzie County’s monthly oil production for December 2020 came in at approximately 14.8 million barrels, in November 2020 it was approximately 15.1 million barrels.
/by

HERG Round 2

Restaurants, bars, breweries, cafes and entertainment venues negatively affected by COVID-19 may be eligible for round 2 of the Hospitality Economic Resiliency Grant. Applications are due by February 25. Grant funds are capped at $25,000 per location including any funds awarded during Round 1.
/by

Operation Intern accepting applications

Employers who are looking to hire interns should consider applying for the Operation Intern program administered by the ND Department of Commerce. Operation Intern is a grant program designed to expand the number of internships, work experience and apprenticeship positions with North Dakota employers. The program focuses on creating new internships and apprenticeships within the state’s targeted industries of energy, advanced manufacturing, value-added agriculture, tourism and technology-based businesses, to include cybersecurity.

/by

Hess 2021 plans include $450M for Bakken

The global oil producer Hess has announced a $1.9 billion capital and exploratory budget for 2021. $450 million of that has been allocated towards a two rig program for the Bakken where their 2021 plans include drilling 55 wells and bringing online 45 wells. They note that the Bakken wells provide attractive financial returns at today’s oil prices.

/by

Bakken Midstream announces $400 million project

A $400 million ethane-fueled power plant has been announced by Bakken Midstream. The plant, which would reportedly be the largest ethane-based power plant in the world, will provide a local use of the natural gas that is co-produced with the area’s oil wells, and is expected to bring over 100 construction jobs to the area. It is planned to be located outside of Williston. For more see this Fargo Forum article, Bismarck Tribune article or this Williston Herald article.

/by

Upskilling local workers

In an effort to build community resiliency by diversifying the skills of the local workforce, a new local trade school has been developed in Watford City. Called Trade Ready, the school is looking for projects that will provide students with hands-on welding experience under the instruction and supervision of certified welders. In additional to structural and pipe welding, the program provides hands-on fundamentals to become a skilled, entry-level oilfield employee. In order to make a difference in the community and make the program successful, TRADE READY is looking for work in building structures that can be used in local facilities. Items that the students can make at the Watford City location include launchers and receiver skids, pipe racks, pipe supports, and pig pens. Students and instructors are also equipped to travel to locations. For more info contact Kara Glenn at karaglenn@silverfoxnd.com or 701-580-8483.

/by

Increased single-family housing permits

The City of Watford City ended 2020 with 36 single-family housing building permits issued. That is up from 25 in 2019 and the 0 issued in 2017. Many homebuilders in Watford City have been taking advantage of the JDA Housing Development Subsidy which was launched in mid-2019. Currently $1,550,000 of the $2,000,000 in program funds has been allocated.

/by
The January Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note:
  • McKenzie County unemployment ticked down slightly from 8.5% in October 2020 to 8.4% in November 2020.
  • Taxable sales and purchases for 2020Q3 is down 52% from 2019Q3 taxable sales and purchases for McKenzie County.
  • Permits for City of Watford City for 2020 was exactly the same as 2019 at 320 permits.
/by

Get in Touch

Daniel Stenberg
McKenzie County Economic Development
100 2nd Ave SW, Suite A
Watford City, ND 58854
701-444-8856
dstenberg@co.mckenzie.nd.us

Stay in Touch

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.