Valley City, ND (KCSi-T.V. News) — The Valley City/Barnes County Development Corporation Friday morning (November 2, 2012) held a news conference at City Hall, unveiling a major private sector announcement, an economic development initiative and a major private sector investment.

The land in Valley City, to establish the corridor, is near I-94, and has been annexed into Valley City.

On hand Friday morning were John Deere Seeding Group, General Manager, David Bradford, North Dakota National Guard Colonel Steve Tabor, and from the Valley City/Barnes County Development Corporation Jennifer Feist.

Ms. Feist said the site, containing 77 acres will be a $9- 9.5 million investment, with 20 acres dedicated to the National Guard facilities, pointing out that the Valley City/Barnes County Development Corporation was the lead agency in developing the project.

CLICK ON VIDEO TO VIEW ENTIRE NEWS CONFERENCE

 

Colonel Tabor is the National Guard Director of Facilities.

He said the Guard has been looking for a Valley City location, working with local officials.

He said the site selected gives the National Guard direct access to I-94 and eliminates some traffic safety issues.

He added the National Guard is committed to staying in Valley City, with $30 million in project costs provided by the federal government.

The present Valley City National Guard facility is half the size of what’s needed.

The new Readiness Center is projected to cost $20. 2 million and will include a 52,641 Readiness Center, and a 30,815 square foot unheated enclosed storage building for equipment.

The project is projected to be in the 2020, or 2021 Military Construction National Guard Appropriation, subject to funding available.

The new Field Maintenance Shop (FMS) project will have a total cost of $11.6 million and will include a 30,000 square foot FMS and a 15,000 square foot unheated enclosed Vehicle Storage Building.

The FMS project is programmed for Fiscal Year 2015 Military Construction National Guard Appropriation.

The architect and engineering selection is currently being advertised and the intent is to have the design team selected and under contract in January of 2013.

 

Ground Breaking is set for the spring of 2013.

The present FMS facility will be transferred to the City of Valley City, once the new FMS is completed.

　

Ms. Feist pointed out that the site will provide 45-50 acres for private sector development, and includes infrastructure and a concrete road to access I-94.

With that, John Deere Seeding Group, General Manager, David Bradford, said John Deere Seeding Group which has been in Valley City the past 15-years, will invest $20 million in the Valley City factory, to meet worldwide needs for their product.

He said the present facility will expand from 100,000 square feet to 300,000 square feet, and will continue year ‘round production in Valley City.

He said the expansion will lead to 50 to 100 new Valley City jobs in the next five years.

Ground breaking will occur late this year, and is expected to be occupied by the fall of 2013.

Economic Development spokesperson George Gaukler pointed out, the National Guard worked with Valley City officials in looking at 6-7 location for that facility.

Gaulker added that the November 6, 2012 Valley City Sales Tax extension vote is critical to pass to keep the long term financial commitment in place.

Valley City Mayor, John Werkhoven said the city is excited with the project, and the largest ever economic development project for Valley City.

He said the project will maintain and grow more jobs in Valley City, with a positive impact for future business growth.

　

The news conference was shown live on CSi 68 followed by replays.

Valley City Voters will cast ballots on November 6, 2012 to decide if the City Sales Tax will be extended, for the economic development projects.

Jennifer Feist says, the Sales Tax extension would keep the tax in effect through December 31, 2029.

Ms. Feist added the tax extension affords for long term financing, for long term needs.

With the Valley City Sales tax, 70 percent of the 1 percent tax goes to economic development, 25 percent for property tax relief, and 5 percent for service and retail image enhancement.

　

Valley City Auditor, Avis Richter reminds voters, that absentee ballots for the City Sales Tax extension, Advisory vote are at City Hall, through 5-p.m. Monday, November 5, 2012.

The absentee ballots for the General Election are at the Barnes County Courthouse.

On election day Valley City residents will vote at their regular precincts, for both the advisory vote and the General Election.