Grand Forks council votes to oppose military-impact-zone bill unless city is excluded

The Grand Forks Committee of the Whole voted unanimously Monday to draft testimony opposing Senate Bill 2398 unless the bill is amended to explicitly exclude the City of Grand Forks and its extraterritorial area from the proposed military impact zone.

Council President Sandy told colleagues the bill as written would create a 25-mile “military impact zone” around the Grand Forks Air Force Base and would vest a newly created military compatibility commission with review authority over land development within that radius. “I think it really challenges and is an infringement on our home rule authority,” Sandy said, urging the city to oppose the measure “unless it actually removes and specifically removes the city of Grand Forks and our extraterritorial zone.”

The nut of the council’s concern is the scope of the commission’s review authority. Staff and council members noted the bill’s 25‑mile radius would cover the entire city and extend into neighboring Minnesota, and that the commission’s membership—governor’s designee, state public service commission designee, and representatives of counties, townships and cities within the zone—could give outside parties a say over local development. “The commission … has the authority to review all development within the city of Grand Forks,” said Council member Nanny during debate, adding that routine projects such as driveway work or a single-family house could face review under the bill’s current language.

Council members acknowledged the stated purpose—protecting military installations and future missions—but said the 25‑mile boundary and the commission’s oversight are unclear and risk unintended consequences. Council Vice President Weigel pointed to Federal Aviation Administration guidance, which typically uses a 5‑mile compatibility zone around airports, and urged further review of how the proposed 25‑mile radius was determined. Other council members suggested drafting neutral testimony that raises questions or asking for amendments that narrow the zone or remove the city prior to taking a firm opposition stance.

After extended discussion, Sandy moved that the city draft testimony opposing SB 2398 in its current form unless the city of Grand Forks and its extraterritorial jurisdiction are removed. Vice President Bridal seconded the motion. The committee voted unanimously in favor of drafting testimony in opposition as written.

Council and staff said they expect additional amendments when the bill is heard in committee later this week and plan to update testimony based on any changes.

Votes at a glance: the motion to draft testimony opposing Senate Bill 2398 unless amended carried unanimously (recorded as “motion carries unanimously”).