Williston pledges up to $10M for Ice and Turf facility, offers land and hangar dedication

The Williston City Commission voted Sept. 23 to formalize financial and land commitments to the Energy Center Hockey/Convention Facility (branded in meeting material as the Williston Ice and Turf project) by approving Resolution 25‑021.

Under the resolution the city will provide $1 million per year for ten years — up to $10 million — from quality‑of‑life sales tax proceeds and related funds. The commission also approved selling 17 acres at a reduced price ($1.65 per square foot) to support the project and dedicating the former Sloulin Field Airport hangar to the effort; city staff estimated the hangar value at approximately $4 million. City officials said about $13 million in adjacent infrastructure improvements are also associated with the project and will be advanced to support the site and surrounding neighborhood.

Economic Development Director Anna Nelson and city administration framed the commitment as part of the public safety sales tax reauthorization, which set aside a quality‑of‑life portion for projects like recreation facilities. The commission approved Resolution 25‑021 by unanimous vote (motion by Siemieniewski; second by Gjovig).

City officials said the funding commitment is intended to leverage additional public and private dollars and to cover operating‑level support identified during project planning. The commission did not specify a final construction schedule in the meeting minutes; staff indicated related infrastructure work is planned and will be pursued in coordination with project partners.

Next steps: project proponents and city staff will coordinate on infrastructure sequencing and any required financing agreements or development agreements that implement the sale and hangar dedication.