May 1, 2020
WILLISTON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
NEWS & UPDATES

Dear Williston Wire Readers

Williston area businesses are anxious to reopen their doors. This week we learn about Governor Burgum's guidelines for reopening and much more!

Shawn, Ann, Barb and Brenda

City of Williston to remain closed to Public until May 8
Williston Economic Development - The City of Williston will remain closed to visitors until May 8, 2020; however, all departments will remain operational. In addition, all public meetings have been either been rescheduled or will be held virtually via video conference and phone . “As we look forward to gradual openings of businesses around town, the City will continue to operate with limited public access until May 8 or until further notice,” said City of Williston Administrator David Tuan. Read More
City of Williston seeks to spur Single Family Housing Construction; waives Permit Fees
Williston Herald - After taking some time to discuss possible housing incentives, the City of Williston has approved what they call “a good start” towards encouraging the housing market in the area. A Housing Commission was formed in January to promote and support comprehensive housing solutions in Williston and Williams County. Director of Development Services Mark Schneider told the City Commission on Tuesday, April 28 that The nine-person committee has met six times in the past three months to discuss ideas and create incentives to present to the city commission for consideration. Read More
Williston Airport receives Federal Funds for Crosswind Runway
News Release - Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Committee, announced April 29 that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded funding to airports in North Dakota including the Williston Basin International Airport. XWA has been awarded $9,493,453 with a $1,054,828 match from the CARES Act to construct a second, crosswind runway, and to install the necessary guidance systems for the new runway at the airport. Read More
Williston Businesses prepare to Reopen
KUMV-TV - Many Williston businesses are planning to reopen on Friday. Some say the decision comes with risks and adjustments, but so does not having income. Restaurants like the Williston Brewing Company plan on opening their dine-in services Friday with the state’s recommended restrictions. They’ll rearrange tables to six feet apart, deep-clean everything, and will restrict volume to 50 percent of their 500-person capacity. Read More
Governor releases Reopening Guidelines
KUMV-TV - Ahead of Gov. Doug Burgum's daily COVID-19 briefing, ND Response unveiled several guidelines to the various industries expected to re-open on Friday. Most companies and industries are asked to follow similar guidelines to before they were closed six weeks ago. These universal protocols include: maintaining six feet of social distance, providing hand sanitizer at entrances to facilities and encouraging wearing face masks. Read More
Watford City Businesses ready to Reopen
McKenzie County Farmer - As many states have begun discussing plans for the day that businesses will reopen from the extended closure to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), Watford City businesses are anxiously awaiting the day that North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum will lift his executive order that closed their businesses to normal traffic. “Everyone is kind of getting antsy,” says Shelley Suelzle, owner of the Little Missouri Grille. Read More
Hair Salons reopen in Montana
KUMV-TV - Monday, hairdressers across Montana opened up shop again, and along with that came a flood of people needing over-due haircuts. Employees at Trendz in Sidney say they’re happy to be back at work, but it’s a little stressful. Read More
Sidney Brewing Company makes Hand Sanitizer
KUMV-T V - Meadowlark Brewing in Sidney has temporarily switched from brewing beer to creating hand sanitizer. Employees worked with oilfield companies to distribute 2,800 12 oz. bottles to first responders and hospitals in the area. Read More
Construction progresses at Long X Bridge
News Release - Due to a construction project on the US 85 Long X Bridge south of Watford City, traffic will be switched to the west side roadway beginning Thursday, April 30. During the transition to the west side of the road, traffic will be reduced to one lane. Read More
North Dakota PSC approves Expansion of Oil Conditioning Facility near New Town
Bismarck Tribune - T he North Dakota Public Service Commission approved the expansion of an oil conditioning facility north of New Town on Wednesday. The Mountrail County facility, owned by Whiting Oil and Gas, already processes up to 45,000 barrels per day of oil. Under the expansion, the facility will handle as much as 65,000 barrels per day. It's the first such project the PSC has permitted. The commission has jurisdiction over facilities with a capacity of 50,000 barrels of oil per day or greater. Read More

Upcoming Williston Events
05/12 ------ Williston City Commission
The meeting will be held at 6 p.m.

05/26 ------ Williston City Commission
The meeting will be held at 6 p.m.

05/25 ------ Memorial Day
City of Williston offices will be closed in observance of Memorial Day.

06/10-13 ------ Miss North Dakota Scholarship Pageant
Miss North Dakota 2020 will be crowned on Saturday night.

06/19 ------ Chamber of Commerce's Rockin' Ribfest
The competition will be held in Downtown Williston. Contact caitlyn@willistonchamber.com for more information

06/20 ------ Chamber of Commerce's Lemonade Day
Youth will set up lemonade stands across Williston.

07/24 ------ CHI St. Alexius Health Williston Golf Tournament
The tournament will be played at the Links of North Dakota.
Upcoming Energy Events
 05/05 ------ API Monthly Meeting
The meeting will be held from 6:30-9 p.m. at the Grand Williston Hotel. More information

08/20-21 ------ Williston Basin Chapter API Golf Tournament
The tournament will focus on raising funds for emergency services.

09/01-03 ------ Williston Basin Petroleum Conference
The conference will feature speakers and a trade show in Bismarck. Click  here  for more information.

09/15 ------ API Monthly meeting
The meeting will be held from 6:30-9 p.m. at the Grand Williston Hotel. More information

09/09-11 ------ DUG Eagle Ford
The conference and exhibition will be held in San Antonio, Texas. Registration
City of Williston, ND | Economic Development | 701-577-8110 |  Email  |  Website