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Williston Fairing Well In Oil Boom

Williston Mayor Ward Koeser said his city is fairing well in the oil boom.

 

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Williston Mayor Ward Koeser said his city is fairing well in the oil boom.

Koeser led a panel discussion about boom issues at the Williston Basin Petroleum Conference, being held this week in Bismarck. He said the city is working to bring everyone together.

"Did we do everything right? I don’t know that we do, but we certainly try hard," said Koeser. "We’ve got a great team. We talk about the three things that you need: planning, people and partnerships. That’s what we really focus on, even in the partnership side of things, bringing everybody together so that we can help them and they can help us. I think we’re getting through it OK."

Koeser said there are needs yet to be met, including housing and infrastructure. He said that means more help from the state.

"I wish there could be more. I will say this, they certainly have been listening. The governor has especially has been especially responsive to us and our needs. We’re just really optimistic when we go to this next session, in a few months down the road, there will be dollars in there to help communities like Williston. Would we like to see more? Certainly. Do we need more? Certainly. But we are appreciative for what they are doing for us."

Koeser said he would like to see the oil and gas impact formulas changed, so cities can use the money for more than just infrastructure. He said his city needs more money to operate, because it had to add staff to help take care of the needs.

 

KCND