Watne discusses plant at Rotary

Mark Watne, staff executive director for North Dakota Farmers Union, gave an overview of the proposed fertilizer plant to the Rotary Club on Nov. 13.

This plant, if built, would be a part of the Spiritwood Energy Park. Different studies are needed to help decide the cost to build and operate this plant. It would be a partnership with NDFU and Cenex Harvest States. The approximate cost to build is $1.2 billion and once built, would provide approximately 100 or more jobs to the Jamestown/ Stutsman County region. Watne said that with the high cost of fertilizer and the lower cost of natural gas, building this type of plant could be found more economical to build in North Dakota with the excess amount of natural gas in this state. The site at Spiritwood has the rail available, access to the major highways, water and the co-location with the other proposed business in the energy park is also a plus. Watne said they are now in Phase II of this project.

Carrie Orn presided over the meeting, Larry Hoffman gave the table prayer, Marv Tokash and Gina Dahl led the group in music and numerous “Happy Dollars” were collected for Rotary projects. Orn reminded members to submit names for the board of directors. Dec. 3-4 are bell ringing days for Rotary at Kmart. The last day for hanging lights was Nov. 17.

Guests at the meeting were Dr. Larry Motacek, Dr. Steve Looysen, Joe Rector and the Rev. Johnny Rhoad along with Jamestown High School students Brianna Hart and Samatha Dick.

Today’s program is by Gary Nolte on the Rotary Foundation, Bob Badal will give the invocation, Gail Martin is the music leader and Vince Gregor is the sergeant at arms.

Tags: community, clubs