GF County reviews Fufeng project

Another step forward in landing the proposed Fufeng corn milling project in north Grand Forks.  The county commission on Tuesday approved a “PILOT” or tax incentives needed to secure the deal.

As has been the case with previous city council meetings numerous nearby landowners showed up to voice opposition to the plan.  The citizen concerns range from environmental issues and annexation to the fact that the parent company has ties to China.

Board Chair Tom Falck says those issues are outside the control of the county.  “If you don’t take some risk with development your community is just going to stagnate.  This is only one step…there are probably 40 more steps.”

Commissioner Diana Knauf says she can’t support the project at this time.  “People need to be heard…listened to…and ask questions.  As I say I have (questions) on security.  I strongly encourage that you fully listen to each other so we can move this forward if that’s possible.”

The board endorsed the “Payment in lieu of taxes” plan on a 4-to-one vote.