Waski_the_Squirrel
Resident of the least visited state in the nation.
On Wednesday, I was asked to be part of a trip to Watford City. For those who don't know, Watford City was about the size of the town I live in, but has been hit hard by oil activity. Over the past 2 years it has gone from a town of 1300 to an estimated 5-6000. As you can imagine, this is a huge stress for that town. We don't think our town will be hit as hard, but we are also taking steps to prepare so we don't make the mistakes they made.
One interesting story: the superintendent of the school told us about a boy who wasn't doing his homework. The teacher asked him why not and the boy explained that he lived in a camper with 8 brothers and sisters and there was just no room to do the homework.
Just a few pictures from the trip:
This is the line of trucks headed in both directions where highway 85 turns in Watford City. This is a horrible, busy corner and the trucks are lined up waiting. They have actually put in a red light to manage the traffic somewhat, but there are still no turning lanes.
The 3 yellow pole barns have no windows, but they house an estimated 200 men each.
These apartment complexes did not exist last year.
I don't like government interference, but this is one of those tough areas. Before Watford City started regulating housing, "man camps" sprang up to house workers where landowners rent out tiny lots for $1000-$2500 per month. Many like this one don't have utilities. There is also no regulation.
This is that same "man camp." The nice house in the back was built several years before this started to take advantage of the view and country living. Last year, on the neighboring land, this "man camp" sprang up.
This $750,000 house was built in a slough. Talk about overpriced!
These are some nicer trailer lots, probably for about $3000 per month. These have utility hook-ups. The skirting is an attempt to protect the pipes from extreme North Dakota weather.
This is another "man camp" made of mixed large and small trailers.
And one more "man camp":
One interesting story: the superintendent of the school told us about a boy who wasn't doing his homework. The teacher asked him why not and the boy explained that he lived in a camper with 8 brothers and sisters and there was just no room to do the homework.
Just a few pictures from the trip:
This is the line of trucks headed in both directions where highway 85 turns in Watford City. This is a horrible, busy corner and the trucks are lined up waiting. They have actually put in a red light to manage the traffic somewhat, but there are still no turning lanes.
The 3 yellow pole barns have no windows, but they house an estimated 200 men each.
These apartment complexes did not exist last year.
I don't like government interference, but this is one of those tough areas. Before Watford City started regulating housing, "man camps" sprang up to house workers where landowners rent out tiny lots for $1000-$2500 per month. Many like this one don't have utilities. There is also no regulation.
This is that same "man camp." The nice house in the back was built several years before this started to take advantage of the view and country living. Last year, on the neighboring land, this "man camp" sprang up.
This $750,000 house was built in a slough. Talk about overpriced!
These are some nicer trailer lots, probably for about $3000 per month. These have utility hook-ups. The skirting is an attempt to protect the pipes from extreme North Dakota weather.
This is another "man camp" made of mixed large and small trailers.
And one more "man camp":
