Williston conditionally approves $1M to McKenzie County Health to expand local services

The Williston Board of City Commissioners on June 23 approved a conditional community grant commitment of $1,000,000 to support McKenzie County Health’s proposed Williston facility, subject to the applicant securing additional funding by July 1, 2027.

Anna Nelson, economic development director, presented the application and explained the requested $1,000,000 would be contingent on McKenzie County Health proving other funding sources. Commissioners asked about matching funds and who else was contributing; Nelson said the application lists other funding sources but that she did not have a specific corporate contribution number from McKenzie County Health at the meeting. "We do not have a number directly from them," Nelson said.

President Klug framed the request as an expansion of local health care capacity, saying the project is "not a competition with CHI, but an enhancement of what we need here in Williston," and said the Star Fund board recommended support. Commissioner Gjovig noted packet materials show a $16 million project and that the applicant applied to the Bank of North Dakota for $9 million at 2% interest and described the project as a roughly 12,000-square-foot facility.

The board approved the motion to provide the conditional grant, with the requirement that the Star Fund monies would be returned to the fund if the applicant fails to secure the stipulated additional funding by July 1, 2027. Vote was 5-0.

The motion does not authorize immediate disbursement; the grant is contingent on the applicant meeting the board's funding conditions and timeline.