Vision West ND Newsletter

Vision West ND Newsletter

May 17, 2013

Vol. 2, Issue 3

Greetings All!

North Dakota's 63rd Legislative Assembly has adjourned sine die, using all 80 days allowable under the state's constitution. Now that legislative session activity is complete, the Vision West ND project participants throughout western North Dakota have a better idea of what state resources will be available to them for the coming biennium.

In addition to receiving a greater portion of Oil and Gas Gross Production Tax revenue, the counties, cities, school districts, and townships of western ND will have access to increased amounts of Energy Impact Grant dollars. The increased resources to these local political subdivisions should largely allow them to grow effectively amid area energy sector development while addressing the many quality of life issues identified through the Vision West ND planning process.

Five of the top issues identified throughout western ND during local strategic planning include housing, emergency services, childcare, roads & infrastructure, and water issues. Each of these top five issues will be explored more as Vision West ND moves toward finalizing its regional plan.

Throughout the regional planning phase of the Vision West ND project, steering committees in each of the western counties as well as the tribal segments of the Three Affiliated Tribes are working hard to complete their local strategic plans.

The steering committee in Stark County met this week Tuesday, May 14 to further discuss the county's strategic plan and work on the essential action steps necessary to set that plan in motion. Stark County steering committee members include Shawn Kessel, Lori Wagner, Craig Kubas, Ralph Weisenberger, Kurt Froelich, Terri Theil, Vicky Steiner, Peggy O'Brien, Shirley Meyer, Danita Tysver, Lynn Hartman, Joe Wanner, Debora Barros, Steven Josephson, Gregg Kovacs, Dawn Olson, Gaylon Baker, and RayAnn Kilen, who chairs the group.

One item that the Stark County steering committee discussed was a possible project schematic for the county. Through Vision West ND, local entities are able to apply for funding support to develop architectural renderings for a specific local project. One that Stark County is considering is a nature trail for families to use for biking, walking, or exploring the many natural resources available in the area. The trail is envisioned to circle Patterson Lake and provide a quality of life resource to all in Stark County.

McHenry County's steering committee members also get kudos for their diligent work toward implementing their county strategic plan. The steering committee has really "taken the bull by the horns" in its implementation phase by forming sub-committees for each of the strategies identified in the county's planning session. Each sub-committee receives direction from the overall steering committee, and works on developing its specific strategy. Many thanks to McHenry County steering committee members and all participants in the Vision West ND planning process for your dedicated efforts!

Upcoming Vision West ND events include the McKenzie and Bowman County planning sessions (see right). Steering committees in those counties will meet and identify the economic strategies and quality of life initiatives they would like to work on in their counties and begin developing their local strategic plans.

Also on the horizon is the next Vision West ND Consortium meeting, scheduled for Thursday, June 13 at the ND Cowboy Hall of Fame in Medora. Though a time or detailed agenda has not yet been set, potential agenda items include discussion on the long term vision of the project, upcoming regional planning Symposia meetings, and a presentation from a Bush Foundation representative on new grant programs.

Have a great weekend!

The Vision West ND Team