The Williston City Commission has approved $86,000 in STAR Fund grants for five projects in Williston and Ray. The action was taken at the commission meeting on July 23.

This round of allocations included three Flex PACE and two Community Build/Growth grants. The July grants primarily featured expansions of existing businesses including a trucking firm and day care.

Below is a list of the July STAR Fund grants approved by the Williston City Commission:

– Send It Trucking, LLC: Up to $25,000 Flex PACE grant to expand and relocate existing business.

– Fisher Family Chiropractic: Up to $15,000 Flex PACE grant to expand current space and remodel exterior.

– Glo Tanning Spa & Salon: Up to $11,000 Flex PACE grant to purchase existing business.

– Little Rascals Daycare: Up to $25,000 Community Build/Growth grant to purchase, expand and relocate an existing daycare in Ray.

-Williston Downtowners Association: Up to $10,000 Community Build/Growth grant to assist with costs associated with putting on the North Dakota Downtowner Conference in Williston Aug. 28-29.

Williston Economic Development Executive Director Shawn Wenko said the projects show the strength of the local economy.

“We continue to see a high volume of applications comes through our office for the Flex PACE program. The Flex PACE is still our number 1 STAR Fund program because it leverages funds from the Bank of North at a two (BND) to one (STAR Fund) ratio and it mitigates some of the risk for our local lenders who participate in the program,” he said.

The STAR Fund grants will also increase child care capacity in Ray and attract attendees to the North Dakota Downtown Conference Aug. 28-29 in Williston. Executive Director of the Williston Downtowners Association said their STAR Fund grant will help enhance their event.

“The Williston Downtowners Association is so thankful to our sponsors and granters for helping make this conference possible. We envisioned a great conference with incredible speakers and breakout sessions, but without partners like the Star Fund it wouldn’t be possible,” said Daved Lundeen.

The Williston STAR Fund is administered by seven commission-approved board members. It is funded by a portion of the voter-approved one cent city sales tax.

For more information, contact Shawn Wenko at 577-8110 or shawnw@ci.williston.nd.us.