Courtenay  (CSi)  Concerns were expressed at a public meeting in Courtenay  Mon evening about  proposed state budget cuts that would close eight state highway department shops.

Among those speaking, Courtenay resident Robin Barnes said that if the local shops close, they would need to rely on Jamestown or Cooperstown to provide service to the area. Brenda Thoms is a resident of Courtenay and has been leading the way by providing information and gathering signatures for those against Bill 2012. The state senate recently approved the Bill, which would save the state $2.1 million if they cut eight state highway shops.

Justin Sherlock of Dazey the best way for the members of the community to get their points across was to be present and make sure the importance of the highway shops locally were understood by the committee.

Brenda Thoms  of Courtenay said she has collected near 400 signatures from Courtenay and the surrounding communities asking for the Bill to either be voted down or recommend changes to the proposed bill.

Many community members are expected to  testify in Bismarck on Thursday, March 2nd at 10 AM in the Medora Room at the State Capitol, asking lawmakers  to add an amendment, originally proposed by Senator Terry Wanzek, giving the shops two years before cutting them.

The Stutsman County Commission and Barnes County Commission have also written a letter to Governor  Doug Burgum asking for the bill to be reconsidered.

 

Previously

(CSi)  The  State Department of Transportation is looking to close eight shops due to budget cuts.

Passed by the North Dakota Senate,  Bill 2012  would close the eight state highway shops to save $2.1 million. One of the state shops is in Courtenay, North Dakota.  The North Dakota House is schedule to hear the bill and vote on Thursday March 2, 2017, at 10-a.m.

According to information supplied by Robin Barnes, on Monday evening, February 27, 2017 at 7-p.m., there will be a public meeting at the Courtenay Community Hall.

More information will be provided on the NDDOT Budget.