GF council advances Fufeng project

After a lengthy discussion the city council gave preliminary approval last night (Monday) to a development agreement to bring a corn milling facility to north Grand Forks.

The legal package with the Fufeng Group spells out the framework of the deal.

Members also endorsed a series of engineering service contracts for the project.

As was the case at previous meetings in recent weeks a number of people showed up to oppose the plant.  They expressed environmental concerns and unfair subsidies as reasons to go slow.

Supporters point to the economic development opportunities the project will bring to the region and the 230 jobs the business will create.

The council voted 5-1 and six-zero on the motions respectively.  Final approval on this latest step in the plan is expected next week.