City working on makeover
Improvements nearing completion in Watford CityBy KIM FUNDINGSLAND, Staff Writer kfundingsland@minotdailynews.com
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WATFORD CITY For another six weeks or so residents and visitors to this McKenzie County community will have to contend with detours around construction areas. However, when the current work is complete, Watford City will have a remarkable new look.
"We're redoing all the avenues and the main street into the city," said Gene Veeder, executive director, McKenzie County Job Authority. "There will be new concrete on Main Street, decorative lighting and modern crosswalks. It'll really be quite an addition to Main Street. It looks really good. I'm real impressed."
Watford City's aging asphalt Main Street was showing plenty of wear and tear. There was also some issues with drainage that should be alleviated with the new concrete roadway. While people will notice the new look above ground, there's also been plenty of changes beneath the surface.
"It's been a major rebuilding. The city is installing new water mains and sewer systems," said Veeder. "It replaces the old old stuff that was probably done originally in the 1930s."
The new look to Main Street will complement other recent improvements in Watford City, continuing a commitment by city residents to maintain an inviting community. Much of the work has been made possible through a one-cent city sales tax.
"It's done wonders for us," Veeder said. "It all comes down to community pride. The town has got to look good and feel good. We've got younger families coming back home. They want to feel comfortable doing so."
According to Veeder, Watford City businesses are continuing to improve their properties and some businesses that have struggled over the years are now experiencing a turnaround.
"Local investment is what keeps us going. It's all about jobs," said Veeder. "We've tried some fancy stuff but it comes down to local people."
Like much of western North Dakota, Watford City is experiencing an increase in oil field activity. Several major companies, such as Power Fuels, Lund Oil and Rugged West Trucking have built or are building new facilities in Watford City, and the expansion continues. The real estate market has been strong with new homes being built in the area of the golf course. Rental housing in the region remains in high demand.
"Like everybody else, it's a challenge for us," said Veeder. "There's a shortage of rental units but we've had some interest on the private side."
With more people and business comes added stress on roadways. Oil activity in the region has taken a toll, particularly on N.D. Highway 85 from Watford City to Williston where truck traffic has been heavy. McKenzie County has been conducting traffic counts on Highway 85 to accurately determine the amount of increase in traffic and is working with the state on future maintainence solutions.
