BISMARCK, N.D. (AP Oct 3,2012) – Taxable sales and purchases in North Dakota during April, May and June grew nearly 42 percent compared to the second quarter of last year, to more than $6.4 billion.

Tax Commissioner Cory Fong says the economic growth is spread across nearly all major industry sectors.

He says consumer confidence remains strong, businesses are growing, wholesale trade is robust and manufacturing is on the rise.

The western oil patch cities of Williston, Watford City, New Town and Tioga all saw large percentage increases in taxable sales over the year.

Fong says the third- and fourth-quarter taxable sales figures will help show what effect this summer’s heat and drought had on the state’s agricultural industry.

In the region, Taxable Sales and Purchased in the second quarter of 2012 and the percentage change from the second quarter of 2011 were:

Barnes County: $22,695,666 down 2.1 percent

Valley City: $20,564,897 down 1 percent

Stutsman County: $71,139,632 up 7.09 percent

Jamestown: $68,081,455 up 7.03 percent

Foster County: $17,765,171 up 3.2 percent

Griggs County: $4,764,802 down 0.32 percent

LaMoure County: $12,240,377 up 0.76 percent

Dickey County: $11,678,725 up 11.62 percent