CONGRESSMAN BERG HOSTS HOUSING ROUNDTABLE IN WILLISTON

Williston, ND – Congressman Rick Berg hosted a housing roundtable today in Williston to discuss the city’s ongoing housing challenges that have been brought on by rapid expansion in recent years due to the oil boom.  Local officials and community leaders joined Berg for the discussion.  

“Our housing, roads, and infrastructure have lagged behind the rapid population boom that has occurred over the past few years, and the federal government must partner with Western North Dakota to overcome these challenges,” stated Berg.  “This influx of population has put a strain on existing resources, and I am working with state and local governments to meet these new needs and demands.”

Earlier this year, Forbes Magazine named Williston the sixth-fastest growing small town in America.  According to the North Dakota Industrial Commission Department of Mineral Resources, the full development of the Bakken formation, which encompasses the City of Williston, may not be reached for another sixteen to eighteen years.  Berg said that this creates the need for long-term permanent housing for entire families relocating to the area.  

The participants of the housing roundtable are listed below. 

Ward Koeser, Mayor of Williston

Tate Cymbaluk, Williston City Councilman

Patrick McGarry, McGarry Consulting

Tom Rolfstad, Williston EDC

Kelly Aberle, City of Williston

Chad Johnson, BND

Dave Hanson, American State Bank and Trust

Tom Anderson, NDCPD

Rick Tofte, Tofte Brothers Construction

Ken Callahan, MDU

Mark Barstad, Barstad Builders

Mike Anderson, NDHFA

Bill Baird, University Commons

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