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NDDOT Issues a "Notice to Proceed"
Recently, the City of Dickinson has authorized the preparation of Comprehensive and Transportation Plans to accommodate the growth that is expected to follow in the coming years as more oil rigs spring up on the landscape surrounding the city. The plans are funded by the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) and the City of Dickinson. With the Notice to Proceed from NDDOT the funding for the planning effort is in place and planning activities can begin. City staff has met with the Kadrmas, Lee & Jackson project team members to coordinate the planning and finalize items such as the planning study area, project schedule and scheduling of public participation meetings.
The planning project will begin with a community "kick-off" public meeting which is scheduled for mid-October. The date and location of the kick-off meeting will be announced and publicized before the end of September. The entire Dickinson community will be invited to this meeting which is intended to inform participants of the purpose of the plans, announce the public meetings schedule and provide information on the project website.
The Kadrmas, Lee & Jackson led planning team has already begun the collection of socio-economic data that will provide a profile of existing conditions for the city. The data will be analyzed to document and address a wide range of issues including land use, housing, economic development, city population and other facets of the community. This effort will identify existing opportunities that will be addressed in the comprehensive and transportation plans.
It is important to emphasize that the planning process will succeed only if city residents and businesses involve themselves in the planning process. Community participation will ensure that the plans are consistent with the values, concerns and interests of the community. Community input will be crucial for the establishment of a future vision for the city and goals for all topics contained in the plans. The vision and goals will provide direction for detailed planning activities.
Please stay tuned for the announcement of the kick-off meeting for the comprehensive and transportation plans. |