With the Fufeng project now in the rear view mirror the Grand Forks council is looking ahead to the next steps in terms of infrastructure projects that were associated with the corn milling plant.
Grand Forks has already committed over $1.42 million dollars for Highway 81 annexation….and $2.25 million on city specific upgrades – including the wastewater treatment plant. A total of $3.39 million has been spent on Fufeng specific projects – with a $5 million dollar line of credit provided by the company.
The question of de-annexation of the area has also been on the discussion table. City Attorney Dan Gaustad says state statutes outline those steps: a petition signed by not less than three-quarters of qualified electors and by owners of not less than three-quarters of assessed value of property. “Any decision to de-annex is in the discretion of the city council.”
The council rejected plans for the plant after the U.S. Air Force voiced national security concerns over the China-based company’s close proximity to the Grand Forks Air Base.
City Administrator Todd Feland was asked whether base relations have been damaged by the debate? “The feedback I got was thank you for the swift action…we understand.”
Feland says the city is working on its relationship with the base all the time.
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