New Airport Work To Begin Next Week; Active Rigs At 51 -- April 14, 2017

Director's Cuts: I see the NDIC has posted the tentative dates for future releases of the monthly updates.  The March, 2017, data will be released May 12, 2017. To the best of my knowledge, North Dakota does the best job of all the states in reporting operations and production data.

Active rigs:

	4/14/2017	04/14/2016	04/14/2015	04/14/2014	04/14/2013
Active Rigs	51	30	91	188	186

Scott Adams: a repeat of an old post -- is Scott Adams shadowbanned on Twitter?

Airport:

Earth work on the new Williston Basin International Airport will begin April 17. Ultimately, 2.8 million yards of dirt will be graded on the 1,500-acre site in preparation for construction of the $250 million facility. "We turned a little bit of dirt at the official groundbreaking back in October but now the real earth moving begins and we couldn't be more excited," said Howard Klug, mayor of Williston. "The reality of a new airport will positively impact Williston and the region for generations to come."  The site work will be done by Martin Construction of Dickinson, N.D. and will include construction of four storm water detention ponds, storm sewers and various perimeter roads. 

From the press release:

• 1,500 acre site; 2.8 million yards of dirt to be moved in preparation for the $250 million facility
• FAA-designated call letters: XWA
• northwest of Williston, just off County Road 7
• two-story building; 110,000 square-foot footprint

Website: http://www.xwaproject.com/.

Paddlefish: From the Williston Wire --

The 2017 Paddlefish Snagging Season is set to run May 1-31 in North Dakota. The popular activity attracts thousands of fishermen to the confluence of the Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers.

This year, North Star Caviar has determined it will be unable to provide roe harvesting and paddlefish cleaning services on site (previously posted).

The North Dakota Game and Fish, North Star Caviar and Williston Convention and Visitors Bureau are seeking alternative providers for these and other services at the Confluence. Despite the loss of North Star Caviar; the paddlefish season will proceed!

For more details on the state's paddlefish snagging rules and regulations contact the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.