Dickinson Press' Top 10: No. 6: Small western ND cities see economic, housing boom

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While cities like Williston and Dickinson experienced record growth this year, their economic satellites have also attracted developers for residential, industrial and commercial pursuits.

Developers eyed South Heart hotel, apartment and housing developments, including 18-acres to be dedicated to apartments and an 80-room hotel announced in January. A 200-unit crew camp was announced May for the city.

There was so much interest in South Heart that the city had to deny an annexation of 88 acres because it didn’t have the funds to provide the infrastructure to the area.

Industrial ventures were interested in Richardton and Gladstone, both of which have been adding housing.

A roundabout to help control traffic at the intersection of highways 200 and 22 went up in Killdeer this summer and housing developments were proposed for the Dunn County city.

One of the biggest issues for southern counties is the indirect oil influence. Without producing wells, counties and the towns within them do not qualify for state oil-impact grants, but are still feeling strain from population growth.

Even cities that aren’t getting major developments have little to no available real estate and growing schools, area mayors told The Press in March.

Many of the towns in southwest North Dakota were seeing a decline in population, but that trend was reversed for cities like New England in the 2010 census.

Bowman is preparing for an onslaught of people if oil development were to move south but updating its comprehensive plan and zoning codes Mayor Lyn James told The Press in February.

Editor’s Note: This story is the fifth in a series of The Dickinson Press’ top 10 stories of the year. Previously on the list was:

7: Rents double, triple; housing construction industry taking off

8: Dry conditions lead to months-long burn bans, wildfires

9: Property tax bill shot down, Heitkamp beats Berg in election

10: Controversy with Stark Co. Sheriff Clarence Tuhy

Tags: top 10, south heart, news, growth, gladstone