2040 Infrastructure Master Planning

Over the last decade, communities across western North Dakota have experienced rapid population growth, primarily due to increased oil and gas activity during the recent surge in the oil and gas industry. Watford City was one of the fastest growing communities in the State, growing from 1,800 people in 2010 to an estimated 6,207 people today. Population growth presents many benefits and opportunities, including local economy stimulation and increased amenities in the community, but also comes with potential challenges such as strained municipal services and finances.

The City of Watford City relies on gross production tax (GPT) revenues, sales tax revenues, property tax revenues, and utility (water, sewer, garbage) fees to fund new infrastructure, infrastructure renewal and replacement, and infrastructure operation and maintenance (O&M). With the cyclical nature of the oil industry and the recent slowdown in western North Dakota and the world due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the City wanted to better position themselves for the future and align funding sources with existing and proposed infrastructure to ensure a resilient infrastructure plan is in place.

In 2020, the City made the decision to embark on a master planning process to develop the Watford City 2040 Infrastructure Master Plan (Master Plan). The purpose of this Master Plan is to help Watford City plan and implement capital and operational infrastructure improvements over the next 20 years. Specifically, this project included thorough assessments of the City’s existing transportation systems, water system, wastewater system, and stormwater system, a review of City facilities, identifying and establishing plans for future infrastructure investments, development of a robust financial model, and the creation of capital improvements plans and a resiliency plan to help the City achieve infrastructure and financial resiliency in a methodical and cost-effective manner for years to come.