WILLISTON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
NEWS & UPDATES
January 14, 2022
Dear Williston Wire Readers,

Theodore Roosevelt Expressway has big news. The organization has announced that construction is expected to begin in 2023 on additional four-laning of US Highway 85 South. The highway is an important connector in western North Dakota and has experienced dramatic increases in traffic due to energy development and population growth. For more information please see the story below.

Shawn, Ann, Barb, Brenda and Devyn
Four-laning to continue on US Highway 85 South

News Release - Right of Way acquisition has started and should be complete sometime in the summer of 2022. Once the acquired necessary right-of-way is acquired, the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) will move forward with relocating utilities that are in the way. Many times, utilities are located on the back side of right-of-way, which is why NDDOT is waiting on the movement of utilities. NDDOT anticipates utilities should be done by fall of 2022. NDDOT is planning to bid the project in the fall of 2022 or early spring of 2023. We should see some dirt moving on this stretch in 2023. Read More
Construction continues at Williston Square

Williston Herald - Despite the cold weather, progress continues on Williston Square’s first tenants, Slim Chickens and Genesis. Slim Chickens, owned and operated by Preferred Restaurant Group Inc. of Minot, will feature 3,430 square foot building for dining in, along with space for parking and a dual drive-through. Next door, the framework for Genesis’ latest location continues to go up. The new 5,500 square foot facility is anticipated to be completed in the spring. Read More
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New Childcare Facilities to open in 2022

KUMV-TV - As the city of Williston grows, so does demand for many critical services including childcare facilities. With the help of Williston Economic Development, people around the region can expect more opportunities to come in 2022. Last year, Economic Development issued $1.75 million in STAR Fund grants toward various projects throughout the region. Of that amount, nearly a third went towards building and expanding childcare facilities, which is a big need for working families. Read More
WED re-releases Season Four of
Williston Works Podcast

Williston Economic Development - Williston Economic Development is pleased to announce it is re-releasing Season Four of its Williston Works Podcast! The season has eight half-hour episodes which features small business owners and City of Williston employees who are actively involved in economic development. Host Shawn Wenko, WED's executive director, interviews the guests and showcases successful projects such as Busted Knuckle Brewery, Pronghorn Well Service, Exhale Yoga and Wellness and more.
Big Sky Cookie Co opens in Sidney

Roundup - A new store selling fresh baked and custom-decorated cookies opens its doors at 215 S Central Ave, Sidney. Customers can stop by Big Sky Cookie Co. and purchase a treat from Wednesday - Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Plans currently to open for business starting Sat., Jan. 15. "We are hoping to catch all kinds of customers, we may even throw in an early day - that way if someone wanted to grab treats before work they could," said owner Lisa Harrel.  Read More
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