Bakken Infrastructure Project Named in List of Projects That Will Transform North America
(PRWEB) November 11, 2013 -- The Western Area Water Supply Project (WAWSP) is named in the 2013 Strategic Top 100 North American Infrastructure Projects list. The WAWSP is a public drinking water project that is projected to serve 100,000 people by 2035 in Burke, Divide, McKenzie, Mountrail, and Williams Counties in northwestern North Dakota. CG/LA Infrastructure, Inc. compiles the top infrastructure list annually by reviewing thousands of projects based on several factors, including job creation potential. “Not only are these projects strategic to the region’s growth, but here you can see a coherent set of projects that will transform North America,” says Norman F. Anderson, CG/LA Infrastructure, Inc. President and CEO.
Jaret Wirtz, the Executive Director of the Western Area Water Supply Authority, presented on the project at the CG/LA’s 5th Annual North America Strategic Infrastructure Leadership Forum in Washington D.C. in late October. “I’m pleased the WAWSP is receiving national recognition. But more importantly, I’m happy that we’re building something that will improve life for people in northwestern North Dakota and we’re funding it in a way that allows the oil industry to give back to the local communities,” says Wirtz. The project is being paid for largely through State loans from the Bank of North Dakota. The oil industry purchases the extra water capacity that’s not currently being used by residential areas to repay loans from the State.
The WAWSP currently serves the cities of Williston, Watford City, Ray, Tioga, Stanley, Crosby, Wildrose, Fortuna, Noonan, Columbus, and thousands of rural residents in Williams and McKenzie Counties in North Dakota. The $350 million project is entering the third phase which will bring service to 305 traditional rural water users and make water service available to 6,800 users in rural developments and 300 commercial users over the next two years. Approximately $230 million has been allocated to the project to date.
Heather Syverson, AE2S, 701-364-9111, [email protected]
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