Funding will support site analysis and strategic planning activities, and will accommodate and encourage investment in livestock production.

We have partnered with First District Association of Local Governments (FDALG) to conduct a regional site analysis to assist in identifying locations that meet minimum state siting and local zoning regulations, as well as being in proximity of necessary infrastructure to support animal agricultural production. Based upon the analysis, a hierarchy of potential sites ranked as good, better, and best will be developed. The final report will consist of a database and map identifying potential locations that meet the requirements of the analysis. The planning area includes Bottineau, Burke, McHenry, Mountrail, Renville, and Ward Counties and Townships. The anticipated project completion date is March 2025. Project updates, including preliminary results, will be provided throughout the process.

Progress:

We held two kickoff meetings on May 28 for community leaders to learn about the project and engage in the planning process. FDALG provided a project overview including the methodology, expected outcomes, and information necessary to complete the study.

An important component of the analysis is the application of local zoning regulations. SBPC requested Counties/Townships to complete a zoning survey by July 29. Click the link below or visit https://qr.link/gk7QBD to view the survey.

SBPC and FDALG are currently working with Counties and Townships to finalize GIS maps. Upon completion, FDALG will conduct site analysis on sites that meet minimum thresholds for good, better, and best sites.