The proposed Fufeng project took another step forward in Grand Forks last night (Monday) as the city council gave preliminary approval to an updated development agreement for the corn milling plant.
The 152 page document includes a $5 million dollar Letter of Credit in case the project fails to materialize.
As has been the case in previous meetings vocal opponents urged the council not to proceed with the deal citing concerns over the company’s ties to China.
The council also received several reports ranging from wastewater and thermal plume studies to odor and traffic counts associated with the project.
It’s estimated the plant will generate 200 to 300 trucks per weekday. Passenger car travel would climb upwards of 580 trips per weekday with 30 new railcars added into the mix.
To accommodate the extra load several road improvements are being recommended at key intersections along North Washington and Gateway Drive.
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Grand Forks will go the route of hiring a Construction Manager at Risk to oversee the next phase of improvements at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The city council is looking to ink a deal with P-K-G Contracting out of Fargo – the only company that responded to the RFP.
Project bids are expected go out this fall for upgrades that could cost $13 to $14 million dollars.
A further $40 million dollar expansion is likely in 2024.
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