Williston STAR Fund supports new city projects

WILLISTON, N.D. (KXNET) — The Williston City Commission has approved the latest set of projects to receive grants from the STAR Fund. This includes projects that help fund Williston-based conventions, update popular golf courses, and more.

The STAR Fund provides financial assistance to programs and proposals aimed at improving the quality of life in Williston and is supported by voter-approved city sales taxes. Seventy-five percent of the funds will be allocated to offset urban infrastructure, and the remaining 25% will support efforts based on job creation, business development, and citizen retention efforts.

At the committee meeting held on Tuesday, March 12, it was confirmed that four projects received grants from the STAR Fund’s Community Building Program. Below is a brief description of each approved proposal and the amount of funding received from the Williston City Commission.

• Eagle Ridge Golf Course Troy and Eileen McCoy received a grant of up to $50,000 to help improve the course. The McCoy family currently operates a restaurant on the property and is considering purchasing a golf club.
• Williston Basin School District #7 Up to $10,000 will be awarded to support the purchase of equipment and safety equipment for the District’s CTE Fire and Paramedic Training Course.
• family crisis shelter will receive up to $7,000 annually for two years as part of an ongoing effort to support three programs: Family Crisis Shelter itself, Family Bridge, and Violence Free.
• Bakkencon, new comics and pop culture convention events have been approved to receive up to $5,000 in funding. The convention is scheduled to run from September 6th to 8th and will feature vendors, games, cosplay, celebrity appearances, contests, panels, and more.

In addition to the STAR-funded grants, the two Williston businesses also received Flex PACE Funds to help pay for expansions and improvements.

• ask traffic Up to $53,000 will be awarded to purchase the Williston store. This not only reduces trucking time, but also gives ASK closer access to the city’s rail lines.
• Chumley Pipe & Salvage will receive up to $45,000 to help purchase a new baler for its recycling business.

To learn more about business opportunities in Williston, visit the city’s economic development website here or contact Keith Olson at the Williston Small Business Development Center.