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Infrastructure Week: 3 Down, 2 To Go
GNDC's weeklong webinar series is over the halfway point and the conversations have been rich. Infrastructure Week Webinars have reinforced a simple reality: North Dakota’s competitiveness depends on infrastructure that is planned as a system, delivered locally, and built for the long term.
Across energy, transportation, and local governance, several themes consistently surfaced.
KEY THEMES
> Infrastructure is long-term capital.
Major energy, transportation, and utility assets are built to last decades, making early planning and durable relationships essential.“These are assets that last 50 to 70 years, so the relationships we build with communities and landowners matter just as much as the infrastructure itself.”
— JoAnn Thompson, Vice President of Asset Management, Otter Tail Power
> Planning ahead is the only way to stay competitive.
Energy, transmission, and data center development require capacity decisions years before demand fully materializes.“We’re planning pipeline capacity today for demand that won’t fully materialize for years—but that’s what it takes to stay ahead of growth.”
— Mark Anderson, WBI Energy
> Policy certainty drives investment.
Lengthy or unpredictable permitting timelines directly affect whether projects move forward.“When permitting timelines stretch into years, it’s not just a regulatory issue—it’s an investment decision.”
— Craig Stevens, GAIN Coalition
> Local process determines project success.
Zoning authority often begins at the township level, making communication and compliance critical—especially in small communities.“Zoning done well supports business growth by providing clear rules without unnecessarily blocking projects.”
— Aaron Birst, Executive Director, North Dakota Association of Counties
> Trust and coordination matter.
Infrastructure succeeds when public agencies, local leaders, and private partners align priorities and communicate consistently.“Perceptions matter just as much as realities when you’re working at the local level.”
— Matt Gardner, Executive Director, North Dakota League of Cities
Infrastructure is not a collection of projects—it is economic capacity. North Dakota’s advantage will come from early planning, predictable policy, and strong public-private collaboration.
The series is far from over.
Infrastructure Week continues with two timely conversations that round out the full picture of competitiveness. Thursday’s session will focus on site selection and the critical role rail plays in attracting and retaining investment, followed by Friday’s discussion on water resources and long-term water management—a foundational issue for communities, industry, and future growth. Registrations still being accepted.
