Cramer not sold on Fufeng deal — yet

North Dakota U-S Senator Kevin Cramer says he is “skeptical” of a proposed corn milling project being considered in Grand Forks.

The city council has approved a development agreement with the Fufeng Group for a plant on the city’s north side.

Several nearby land and business owners have opposed the project.

As Cramer put it: “Getting into business with the Chinese Communist Party is not a thing to be taken lightly.”

Cramer said: “We know China to be a very bad actor and they are a serious adversary. They have made incredible advancements technologically, a lot of them that they have stolen, others they have stolen and then improved upon in everything from space to the seas.”

He added, “But that said, again, these are local decisions.”

Cramer says he’s been in contact with Grand Forks Mayor Brandon Bochenski and Gov. Doug Burgum about the project.

Cramer was asked, if he were mayor, would he pursue the deal?

“I’d need to know a lot more, but I would be very skeptical and quite honestly, I’d be looking for better deals.”

Cramer added: “But to weigh the opportunities against the risks, I’d rather see a less risky opportunity than this, but again, it’s not my call.”

Cramer expects to be in Grand Forks on Friday and he is sure the topic will come up in discussion.

Bochenski said he is aware of Cramer’s concerns and that is why the city is doing its due diligence in vetting the project.

Cramer made his comments as a guest on KNOX’s Jarrod Thomas program.