MonDak Energy Alliance Meeting Held in Sidney

The MonDak Energy Alliance, which is made up of individuals and businesses interested in developing energy within the MonDak region, met Feb. 28th in Sidney. The alliance meets quarterly, switching between Sidney and Williston, and hosts speakers covering topics concerning the area.

During the Feb. 28th meeting, the alliance heard speakers concerning topics including: highway concerns, rail depot development, oil lease advisement, the oil well drilling in Sidney, and a look into the Governor’s office.

Tim Baker, Governor Steve Bullock’s Natural Resources Advisor, spoke on the Governor’s views concerning oil country. Baker stated that Governor Bullock, “made clear he supports oil and gas development.” Not only does he support the oil and gas industry, he is also working to strengthen the rights for land owners.

Also speaking on land owners rights was Dennis Trudell with the NE Montana Land and Mineral Owners Association. Trudell spoke concerning oil leases and the importance of the wording included. He pointed out the main things that should be looked at within an oil lease include: the amount per acre, the royalty rate, the amount of time, and to use very specific language within the lease. Trudell suggested the surface owners try to pair up with the mineral owners to get surface damage compensation included in the lease. He also stated that if your not comfortable working out the lease that you should seek help from either a lawyer or someone who has dealt with them before.

Speaking on other concerns in the area was Shane Mintz with the Montana Department of Transportation. Mintz informed those in attendance on the studies that have been done concerning highways within oil country. Studies showed that highway costs will average at 52 million dollars a year for the next 20 years due to the Bakken development, 70% due to truck traffic and 30% due to material cost increases. Highway improvements currently in the works are district wide rumble strips, center line rumble strips between Fairview and Glendive, speed limit change to 65 between Glendive and Fairview, and numerous traffic signals.

Transportation changes were also announced by Neil Amondson with Hunter Light concerning the new rail depot going in just North of Fairview. The new rail depot will be located at the corner of Highway 200 and Highway 58. The rail depot will be 185 acres along with a future 15 acre truck stop. The rail depot will be built with 26 tracks which can handle up to 20 rail cars each at one time. It will be used to bring in numerous supplies and send out oil and natural gas. Although this will increase the rail traffic, it will bring down the semi-truck traffic in and out of the MonDak area.

Wrapping up the meeting, the last presentation was given by XTO Energy representative Emily Snooks. XTO Energy, who is currently the largest natural gas producer in the nation, will be drilling a well that will supply the many residents of Sidney and the City of Sidney with oil lease monies. Along with this, they also donate to many charities and organizations within the community.