On a cold day like this moment on Highway 83 between Lake Sakakawea and Lake Audobon, it is comforting for people in the upper Midwest to be able to rely on North Dakota coal-fired electricity
Congratulations to North Dakota's new Governor. The official swearing in for Doug Burgum will be January 3rd when he delivers the State of the State address to the North Dakota Legislative Assembly
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Legislative Issues in 2017 for County Highway Interests
Thursday's meeting in Killdeer touch on many highway funding issues for the state
Funding issues will once again be the top legislative priority for road superintendents in oil and gas counties, but there will be plenty of other topics to discuss as well.
Outgoing Governor Jack Dalrymple proposed substantial infrastructure funding in his budget proposal, including $725 million in ND Department of Transportation road projects. But county road interests will need to keep the pressure on by sharing information about ongoing unmet needs.
Like other counties, Divide County is going out of 2016 with less oil activity, but unlike other counties, 2017 will present at least one unique radioactive oil field challenge.
Burgum sets a new tone for the Governor's office and politics
It took North Dakota's new governor only a few moments before he came out punching for the Dakota Access Pipeline. Governor Doug Burgum says he wants to see the Dakota Access oil pipeline completed.
The Republican took office Thursday and said the $3.8 billion pipeline is a "legally permitted project" that has been stalled by the Obama administration. He said, "The Obama administration’s refusal to uphold the rule of law on federally owned land, both our citizens and local and state law enforcement have been put in harm’s way. These actions are putting daily demands on the scarce resources of our state and local government.”
Click video below for video of Burgum's Facebook address.
Energy Information Administration sees January drop in Bakken production and 2017 increased crude price
North Dakota's Bakken oil production was set to drop by 13,000 bpd to 906,000 bpd. Eagle Ford output in South Texas was set to drop by 23,000 bpd to 980,000 bpd.
EIA forecasts Brent crude oil prices to average $43 per barrel (b) in 2016 and $52/b in 2017. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil prices are forecast to average about $1/b less than Brent prices in 2017
Arthaud recognized as virtuous leader from University of Mary
Billings County Commissioner and WDEA member Jim Arthaud was recognized by the University of Mary with its very first Virtuous Leadership Award at a special luncheon ceremony.
"I can't think of a better, more respected businessman and entrepreneur to receive this first Virtuous Leadership Award from the University of Mary," said John Warford, dean of the Gary Tharaldson School of Business at Mary.
More on last weeks story on population projections
NDSU researchers Nancy Hodur and Dean Bangsund predict three levels of population projections depending on the price of oil for the western N.D. Bakken oil play.
