Grand Forks officials say they have already talked to Fufeng leaders in light of a letter by a U.S. Air Force assistant secretary urging the project be scrapped over national security concerns.
City Administrator Todd Feland says the conversation was very professional and dignified – but also tough.
Fufeng purchased 370 acres of land north of Grand Forks in anticipation of building the corn milling plant. Feland says the parcel has been identified as a prime agri-business development area – so the city has some interest moving forward. “We are going to look at other potential developments on that property and we will have to work with Fufeng…but it’s topo early to engage in those conversations.”
The Fufeng project played a role in the city’s planned 45 million dollar investment in wastewater treatment improvements. Feland says some of those plans will have to be revised.
Mayor Brandon Bochenski says he would expect the city council on Monday to vote to no longer provide industrial infrastructure and building permits for the project.
Bochenski says the development agreement – combined with the Air Force letter – should provide the city with protections moving forward. “A clear trigger there by having a direct letter from the federal government.”
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