STEPHANIE HOFFART SHAPING THE FUTURE

BY STEPHANIE HOFFART

The Magic City of Minot, N.D., is certainly in a spotlight of transformation. Minot’s infrastructure projects for 2016 and 2017 range from mandatory updates to accommodating growth and preparing for future opportunities.

Minot secured a nation-wide accomplishment in 2016 when it was awarded $74.3 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s National Disaster Resilience Competition. Out of 67 communities in the initial running, Minot was the smallest city in the U.S. to compete, and one out of four cities to be awarded. This huge achievement will have a significant role in building a diverse and resilient economy and preparing Minot for the future. The money will go toward a hazard protection system, affordable housing, a robust transportation system and other vital needs for the Minot community in the years to come.

Minot succeeded with another noteworthy project in 2016 — the Minot International Airport. Minot became home to the largest airport in the state, with approximately $85 million put toward a new terminal, a new 12.4-acre apron, new airport parking and other capital improvements to make the Minot International Airport the most efficient airport in the state.

Other major construction projects north of town include the recent completion of water and sewer lines under the 55th St. Overpass and County Road 10, followed by a new lift station completed in summer 2016. And downtown Minot is in the midst of a three-year renovation. With 75- to 100-year-old underground infrastructure, Minot’s downtown upgrades are greatly needed to keep the heart of Minot thriving.

The heart of Minot is also undergoing aboveground upgrades, including the Ward County Administration Building and the Ward County Jail expansion. The new Ward County Administration Building was desperately needed to accommodate the growth of the Minot area. Just shy of $20 million, this new building was built with future growth in mind and the opportunity to expand its departments. Minot’s downtown will also have a new $37 million Ward County Jail expansion. The expansion will consist of 200 cells, nearly triple the size of the existing jail. Once the new jail is completed in 2017, the remodeling of the existing jail will take place, including medical and administrative services, to further improve the function of the jail. The remodeling of the existing jail is expected to be completed in 2018.

In addition to mandatory updates and accommodating Minot’s recent growth, plenty of other exciting projects are ongoing. Minot’s AGT Foods facility completed its multi-million-dollar expansion in 2016. This facility went from three processing lines to six, as a result of the increased demand for pulse crops.

As our anchor tenant at the Port of North Dakota, AGT’s expansion is one of the most exciting milestones for Minot. This expansion truly opens more doors for our industrial park to reach its full potential. Since 2015, Minot Area Development Corp. has invested more than $8 million in the Port of North Dakota. MADC will continue to develop Minot’s industrial park and secure primary sector businesses that will better the Minot community and state of North Dakota.

Minot’s construction projects for 2016 and 2017 will truly shape the future of Minot, with the revamping of downtown, growing industrial park, new Ward County Administration Building, new Ward County Jail, and the needed infrastructure improvements. The Magic City of Minot strives and continues to be the location of choice for businesses and families.

Stephanie Hoffart President and CEO Minot Area Development Corp. Minot, N.D. shoffart@minotusa.com