GRAND FORKS (AP) - The council in the eastern North Dakota city of Grand Forks has voted to spend $75,000 to woo companies in the western North Dakota oil patch.
The Grand Forks Herald reports the city also is working to raise another $50,000 from other sources for the public relations campaign that will involve such things as a video, mailings and a trip for local officials to a Bismarck oil conference this month.
Housing and available workers are in short supply in the booming oil patch. Grand Forks is trying to convince oil companies to set up shop in that city. Council President Hal Gershman says South Dakota, Montana and neighboring Canadian provinces all are exploring ways to support and supply the oil patch, and Grand Forks needs to raise its profile.