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Lawmakers hear $500,000 grant request to aid Frost Fire ski resort and outdoor theater
Summary
Representative Dave Munson presented a request for $500,000 (to be matched locally) to assist Frost Fire Foundation with infrastructure repairs, snowmaking and theater rebuilding after storms and pandemic impacts; Parks staff said they could administer the grant if the legislature approves.
Representative Dave Munson asked the House Agriculture Committee to consider an appropriation to support Frost Fire, a ski area and summer outdoor theater in Cavalier County, with $500,000 in state grant funding contingent on local matching funds.
"This is a huge thing for Northeastern North Dakota," Munson said, describing the resort's role in providing seasonal employment, arts programming and recreation. He told the committee the foundation has endured damage from heavy rains and a past roof collapse on the outdoor theater; the organization has also faced revenue loss tied to COVID and border closures.
Testimony from the sponsor and supporting materials described the resort's local economic and cultural role: youth employment and training in theater production, seasonal jobs for farmers and students, and regional tourism that draws visitors to nearby Icelandic State Park and the Pembina Gorge area. The sponsor cited insurance and operating costs as constraints, noting a figure in testimony that insurance costs for the facility contributed to significant annual expenses.
Cole Garman of the Parks and Recreation Department said the agency would remain neutral on the bill but could administratively manage the grant if the Legislature appropriates the funds; he noted the request is not included in the governor's recommended budget. The Frost Fire Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the proposed state grant would require a local match, the sponsor said.
No opposition testimony was offered at the hearing. Committee members asked about ownership, park relationships and insurance; Representative Munson said the foundation owns and operates Frost Fire and that the facility is not on state park land but is adjacent to state recreational assets. The committee closed the hearing with no immediate action taken.
