More Evidence the Bakken Boom Is Moving West and South -- The Bakken, North Dakota, USA

Every time one thinks the boom might settle down a bit, perhaps reach a status quo, there are more stories of the surge continuing. 

Glendive, Montana -- about 100 miles from the epicenter of the boom is starting to feel effects of the boom.  Billings Gazette link here.

Even Texas native Jim Cargill, president of Dawson Community College, has never seen an oil boom quite like the one exploding into Montana from North Dakota.

Earlier this year, Cargill began noticing the boom’s effect on his college, located less than 100 miles from Williston, N.D., the epicenter of the hectic Bakken oil development.

A one-bedroom apartment in Glendive that used to rent for $400 now goes for $800 to $1,000. Mobile homes rent for $1,000 or more.

Motels and hotels are filled, too, with some oil field crews now living in Glendive because there are no vacancies in Williston and Sidney.

By the way, just before I left Williston a couple of weeks ago, motel rates had reached the $250/night threshold at one motel; most motels were in the $190 to $200 range. 

Glendive is taking the boom west. Meanwhile in the south, along with Almost, North Dakota, which doesn't like a lot of men living together in one building unless they are monks or construction workers, Glen Ullin has been affected by the boom. Glen Ullin seems to have its act together: the headline suggests otherwise, but Glen Ullin is willing to work with companies on a case-by-case basis. The Bismarck Tribune link is here.