N.D. state 211 service might end in March

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota's statewide 211 telephone number for social service referrals might be going out of business in most of the state next month.

An organization called FirstLink runs the service, but officials say they can't afford to administer it statewide. They want to provide it only in Cass County.

The North Dakota Public Service Commission on Monday granted FirstLink's request to discontinue the service outside of Cass County. The change takes effect March 15.

Commission President Kevin Cramer says the commission will be meeting Feb. 19 with veterans groups and social service agencies to talk about ways to keep the statewide service going.

The estimated cost of providing 211 service statewide is about $200,000 a year.

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