Communities
North Dakota has a long history of oil and natural gas production, nevertheless, even long-time North Dakotans have been surprised by the impact Bakken Shale development has had on communities across the state, in particular in the regions closest to the Williston Basin.
The most noteable is the increase in jobs for local residents. North Dakota currently holds the honor of maintaining the lowest unemployment rate in the nation. Jobs are available not only directly in the industry sector, but also indirectly, through the services and supplies that are are an outgrowth of the Bakken Shale development, including manufacturing, trucking, housing, restaurants and health.
Read more about the way the Bakken Shale is affecting communities around the state:
- According to a recent CNN report, high salaries and a wealth of jobs are bringing people to towns such as Williston. Oil workers can make upwards of $100,000 per year. "Hair salons, pharmacies, banks, hospitals, gas stations, bars and clothing stores are also desperately looking for employees and paying a pretty penny to keep them from defecting for the oil fields."
- The quest for industry jobs is evident in the local universities where educators are seeing the influx of new students in oil-related programs, such as petroleum production or welding. They are also seeing students making salaries twice that of professors, as one professor recently commented at Williston State University.
- Revenue from tax collections, royalties, and lease bonuses has also had a positive impact on communities, providing property tax relief to homeowners and supporting a variety of public services including education, water and community development. (Source: North Dakota Petroleum Council).
North Dakota shale development is estimated to continue for years, and collaborative efforts between citizens, industry and government can have a positive impact on communities.
