Leaders: N.D. economy strong without oil

BISMARCK (AP) — There’s no denying the fact that the booming oil industry in North Dakota has helped the state’s economy.

But leaders in other industries said that the economy would have grown even without oil.

Tax Commissioner Cory Fong told The Bismarck Tribune that North Dakota has been on a strong and steady growth pattern since the middle of 2003, long before the oil boom.

Other industries that have seen an uptick based on taxable sales and purchases include retail trade, wholesale trade and manufacturing.

Another important industry is agriculture.

Dan Wogsland, executive director of the North Dakota Grain Growers Association, said agriculture is the economic engine of North Dakota. He said agriculture is a $35 billion industry in the state.

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