From The Williston Wire -- Ferry 'Cross The Missouri?

For those of us who remember going out to Spring Lake Park and going to the drive-in movies north of Williston, here's a bit of news that will change the landscape out there:

As soon as weather permits construction will get underway on a new mixed use subdivision in north Williston. The Spring Lake Village subdivision is located three blocks north of Walmart on the east side of US Highways 2 and 85. The development is approximately 85 acres in size and will provide a variety of commercial and residential services. Williston resident Ronica Branson-Harger is the Project Manager for the Spring Lake Village.

The new rec center on the east side of town, near the college, is going to be a game-changer.

Apartments are on a vertical trend. There are nearly 3,000 apartment units in Williston.  Half of those were added last year in the 45 new apartment buildings built in 2013.  "Before the boom hit, the last apartment building was built in 1983. So from 1983-2007 we did not have any new apartment buildings,"  said Kelly Aberle, Williston Building Department.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has issued a Finding of No Significant Impact regarding the construction of a four-lane limited-access highway west and north of the City of Williston. The FHWA has determined that the preferred alternative will have no significant impact on the environment. The preferred alternative route has been identified as the Hybrid Route (formerly known as the Green Route).The preferred alternative would begin at the west junction of US Highway 2 and US Highway 85 (Four-Mile Corner) and generally head north and east to connect with US Highway 2 at its junction with Williams County Highway (CH) 6. The total project length would be approximately 13.0 miles. [Comment: I wonder if anyone did a corresponding study to suggest the environmental impact if the bypass was not completed.]

Cool: A ferry to float vehicles across Lake Sakakawea could relieve traffic on overburdened Oil Patch highways, says a group working to plan western North Dakota's future. [Comment: during the winter, some truckers simply drive across the lake.]

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The most interesting story line with regard to the ferry across the lake: folks aren't thinking of these ideas if they thought the boom was nearing its end. Think of the truck traffic that will be needed to service 24-well pads.

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Ferry 'cross the Missouri?

Ferry Cross the Mersey, Gerry & the Pacemakers