More Friday Links -- Regional: Bowman and Stark Counties

The city of Dickinson sees a need for almost $200 million to provide infrastructure required for all new construction that is envisioned.

The city receives between $5 million and $6 million through the oil impact grant program, but a bill written by Rep. Robert Skarphol, R-Tioga, would increase that amount to $12.7 million each year of the upcoming biennium, City Administrator Shawn Kessel said.

“A nice increase,” he said. “Unfortunately, we have identified needs that far exceed that type of revenue.”

Yes, there is a bit of a delta there.

But for roads, the county is doing well:

While many western North Dakota communities are scrambling to keep funds to keep roads in good shape because of an oil boom, Stark County is $650,000 ahead.

Let's hope global warming doesn't dump a lot of snow on the Stark County roads necessitating a lot of snow removal overtime. Assuming this is all part of the same pot of money, which may be a wrong assumption.

Bowman County preparing for the boom:

After witnessing the housing shortages and rent increases in other western North Dakota communities, Bowman County is attempting to get ahead of the game.

Members of Bowman County Commission reviewed a purchase order agreement Thursday during a regular meeting in Bowman that moves the county another step closer to obtaining the Jesco Apartments from a private interest for close to $500,000.

Located in the Bowman, the apartments offer subsidized low-income family housing, something that Bowman County Commissioner Bill Bowman says could have been put in jeopardy.