In a recently released video titled “A Community of Innovation, Collaboration & Investment: The Modern History of Watford City and McKenzie County“, community leaders recount the modern history of McKenzie County. They discuss challenges it has faced and how it has grown to the great community it is today. Hear from leaders such as Brent Sanford, Dale Patten, Gene Veeder and others as they recount the struggles and successful transition from a small, rural town to the busy and growing community we live in today.

The February 2024 Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include:

• McKenzie County’s oil production in December 2023 was 11,438,274 barrels; in December 2022 it was 10,105,264 barrels.
• The city sales tax distribution for Alexander in January 2024 was $71,098; in January 2023 it was $52,745.
• The landfill daily average for McKenzie County in January 2024 was 60.4 tons; in January 2023 it was 56.8 tons.

The Bakken Area Skills Center is looking for talented and motivated instructors in the areas of Automation, Automotive Technology, Information Technology, Welding, CDL, Petroleum Technology, UAS or a similar trades to teach classes for the 2024-25 school year. Applicants must have a North Dakota CTE Teaching License, OR four years of industry experience. Salary is contingent upon experience, benefits included.

Click here for more information.

In February 2024, the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) and the Theodore Roosevelt Expressway Association shared updates on the US Highway 85 construction project. A significant highlight was the approval of a $55 million federal grant, earmarked for expanding the highway to four lanes between the Long X Bridge south of Watford City and Highway 200. The ongoing second year of construction between the Long X Bridge and Watford City is expected to conclude by Fall 2024. Additionally, project development activities are underway for the segment between Highway 200 and the Long X Bridge. NDDOT is working through grant requirements and funding plans for various construction segments, addressing legislative requests for an overall funding plan. These efforts are focused securing funding for the sections between I-94 and Highway 200, as well as the southern Badlands segment beyond the Long X Bridge. NDDOT is preparing a request for proposals (RFP) to engage a consultant to facilitate project development and engineering design for these segments.

During the 2023 ND legislative session, there were changes to the income qualified Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) and there was a new program established, named the Working Parents Child Care Relief Program. McKenzie Health was the first Watford City employer to enroll in that program. Employers can opt-in at either $150 or $300 per month (per employee) and the state matches the employers contribution, allowing either $300 or $600 monthly in childcare buydown of the employees. If you are a working parent or an employer looking for childcare assistance programs, click here to learn more about the Working Parent Child Care Program.