Established in 1998 by Watford City voters, the Roughrider Fund has been dedicated to enhancing the community by supporting various projects. Fueled by a one-and-a-half-cent city sales tax, the fund has contributed to significant endeavors, including the construction of the Wild West Water Park, the McKenzie County medical complex and the Rough Rider Center. In 2023, the fund’s committee highlighted its support for local businesses through the Business Startup & Expansion Forgivable Loan Program, incentivizing establishments like Elite Cabinets & Building Supplies, The Shed, HM’s Steakhouse, McKenzie Health Center, Aligned Chiropractic, and Homestead Physical Therapy. Additionally, the committee aided childcare facilities through the Licensed Childcare Renewal Grant Program and supported community organizations, including the WCCBA, Watford City Park District, Watford City Chamber of Commerce, and Home Instead, through community BUILD project funding.

The Community Enhancement Grant, a cherished community program, backed 30 local events and community programs in 2023, with the committee gearing up for the 2024 grant round to further enhance Watford City and the surrounding area. Organizations hosting events or community programming in McKenzie County in 2024 are encouraged to apply for the Community Enhancement Grant. Learn more about the Roughrider Fund and the eligible programs here. For the 2024 Community Enhancement Grant application, click here.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has allocated $55 million for the expansion of US Highway 85, also known as the Theodore Roosevelt Expressway, in western North Dakota. This funding will facilitate the transformation of over 13 miles of the roadway in McKenzie County from two lanes to four lanes, including widening shoulders and reducing curves from Watford City to I-94. North Dakota’s delegation, earlier this year, advocated for the project’s advantages in enhancing transportation efficiency and safety to DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg, resulting in the funding under the Multimodal Project Discretionary Grant (MPDG) program. The expansion addresses the vital role of the Theodore Roosevelt Expressway in connecting the region’s energy and agricultural sectors, ultimately reducing traffic delays, enhancing safety, and promoting economic growth. U.S. Senators John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer have emphasized the significance of this project for western North Dakota’s access to interstate commerce. Read more on this expansion project and award here.

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

• McKenzie County’s October 2023 unemployment rate was 0.9%; October 2022 it was 1.3%.
• The city sales tax distribution for Alexander in November 2023 was $101,599; in November 2022 it was $47,010.
• The landfill daily average for McKenzie County in November 2023 was 109.9 tons; in November 2022 it was 80.7 tons.

 

Click here to read the 2023 annual year end report for the Small Business Development Centers in North Dakota (SBDC) – Williston Regional Center.

 

Did you know that Visit Watford City and McKenzie County Tourism offer an online Hospitality Training series? This five-part series of training videos are designed for both hospitality industry professionals and employees that interact with the general public. It is also a great tool for any employee or resident that is new to the area. The five episodes will give you a better understanding of the attractions in and around Watford City, along with educating you on all the online tools available. Through this course, individuals will gain a deeper understanding of our culture, attractions and how to use the hospitality tools effectively. This added knowledge will lift up the employee’s customer service by now being able to answer “What is there to do?”.

Upon completion of the training, individuals will receive a button, a canvas bag, a Watford City pen, a small notebook, and $20 in Chamber Bucks (money you can spend only at stores in Watford City). To receive these incentives, make sure to complete the simple quiz at the end of each video. Once all the quizzes are completed, you can stop by the Long X Visitor Center at 100 2nd Ave SW to pick up your items.

Click here to start the Online Hospitality Training series and get your prizes today!