The economic forecast nationwide is as bleak as the weather: frozen credit, a blizzard of bailouts and a virtual, international financial meltdown. As economies across the world slip and fall, North Dakota legislators are heading into the 2009 Legislative Session to deal with serious economic traction: A projected $1 billion surplus.

It’s a tough job, says new House majority leader Al Carlson, R-Fargo. Everyone wants their day in the sun. But it’s a problem that at least 40 other states in the nation can only dare to dream about. On page 6, Business Watch reporter Gwen Bristol profi les key business legislation, including potential property tax relief, strengthening the energy industry and enhancing the state’s tight workforce.

North Dakota isn’t completely insulated from the economic chill, however. While state oil production is at record highs, North Dakota producers struggle with their deeply discounted product. And because that product was selling at $130 a barrel this past summer, the strain of this winter’s $30 barrels may be refl ected in declining rig counts and production levels in 2009.

State leaders have a plan to erase that discount, as described by Oil and Gas Division director Lynn Helms and other industry experts in this issue’s cover story, Adding value to oil on page (8). It’s about giving producers choices, Helms said, about giving them access to bigger markets through better infrastructure and transportation.

Also in this issue, reporter Carolyn Moore profiles Justin Kringstad, giving readers a personal peek into the life of the new director of the state’s Pipeline Authority. And reporter Tina Ding looks at how Watford City is growing and embracing the wealth of people and dollars that comes with area oil production. The true forecast for winter weather is grim, though; already, North Dakota has had record-breaking cold and snow days, and there’s more to come. But many North Dakota people and businesses have learned to capitalize on the cold, as reporter Deborah Dragseth outlines on page 20.

North Dakota stands prepared for the upcoming chills, real and fiscal. The state has handled worse. Read on to and stay logged on www.ndbusinesswatch.com to keep informed on the 2009 Legislative Session and on how North Dakota’s industries are weathering the storms.

Crystal R. Reid
701-250-8261
Crystal.reid@bismarcktribune.com