the general area suggested, which is on the same latitude as the Duluth Port. This would also provide for better movement of livestock and other farm produce. The matter of tourism is very important to all of North Dakota. With the advent of the Oahe Reservoir providing vast recreational opportunities in and around the Fort Yates area. There will be many more tourists interested in this area. A bridge would provide for free movement of tourists across Southern North Dakota from Yellowstone Park through to the Duluth area. Along the way is Wahpeton, at the head of the Red River Valley, Fort Abercrombie, the Minnesota Lake Region of Ottertail County, the Brainerd area with its many tourist attractions and other attractions to bring people into this part of the area. We appreciate this time allotted to us by this sub-committee of the Senate Public Works Committee and hope that you will see fit to act affirmatively on Senate Bill 229. To Whom It May Concern: NORTH DAKOTA STATE SCHOOL OF SCIENCE, The North Dakota State School of Science is a state supported comprehensive college serving the needs of all North Dakota. The college is located at Wahpeton in the extreme Southeast corner of the state, and therefore, direct accessibility to the college is very important. We are pleased that Senator Burdick has introduced legislation to authorize construction of a bridge on the Missouri River, above Fort Yates, and that the Senate Public Works Subcommittee will hold a field hearing in North Dakota relative to this important transportation and economic matter. There were 613 seniors who graduated in 1970 from high schools that lie to the west and south of the proposed bridge on the Missouri River. Presently, 187 of these graduates enrolled for the 1970 fall quarter at the State School of Science, 31 per cent of the total spring graduation. As one studies a North Dakota map, it is readily apparent that considerable distance would be saved if these students could cross a bridge above Fort Yates and travel directly east to Wahpeton on Highway 13. In addition, one wonders how many more students would attend if it were not for this geographical disadvantage? It is sincerely recommended that positive consideration and action be given to and for this bridge. The factors of distance, time, accessibility and cost are an economic factor for the entire state. Does it not seem as logical for the good people south of Bismarck to have a bridge to travel east or west as it does for the folks at Bismarck and those who live north of our great Capital City? We request positive consideration on this most important matter. Thank you. CLAIR T. BLIKRE, President. HARRISON & RIPPEL, INC., Nevada, Iowa, February 10, 1967. CITY COUNCIL OF WAHPETON, GENTLEMEN: As community planning consultants for Wahpeton-we recommend the construction of a major bridge south of Bismarck, enabling the establishment of a more direct east-west highway through North Dakota. This facility would enable the Wahpeton region to expand significantly in terms of tourism and recreation which in turn would create more jobs in North Dakota to service these needs. Recreation is one of the fastest growing industries in the United States and unless better highway facilities are provided, our Economic Base Study would expect the historic trend of losing 50 jobs during the 1950 to 1960 decade to continue. Better east-west statewide transportation would also enable the Wahpeton area to expand industrially as industry is vitally concerned with truck transportation. With the potential of expanding the recreational and industrial economic base of Wahpeton this will provide a more stable economy whereas presently they are relying heavily on the single category of professional employment for population gain. This would also create related job opportunities in the wholesaling and retailing employment groups. A uetermination regarding this bridge and related highway facility at this time would enable us to reflect the advantages while completing the Comprehensive Development Plan. DONALD K. RIPPEL. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, Wahpeton, N. Dak., October 20, 1970. Mr. PAT GOGGIN, Manager, Chamber of Commerce, DEAR MR. GOGGIN: I have recently heard of a proposal which would involve the construction of a new highway leading from the general area of Fort Yates, North Dakota, across the Missouri River and eastward. As you are aware, we do have children at the Wahpeton Indian School who are enrolled at the Standing Rock Agency, Fort Yates, North Dakota. The construction of such a highway, of course, would shorten the distance between Fort Yates and Wahpeton and would provide faster travel time for parents, personnel of the Fort Yates Agency coming to Wahpeton, or any members of the Wahpeton staff going to Fort Yates to discuss boarding school problems with the agency officials and the parents of the children enrolled at our school. I would note, too, that the Oahe reservoir provides a new water recreation area and I understand that many of the people in the immediate area, including some members of our staff, have gone to the Fort Yates area to fish in the waters of that reservoir. As I understand the new facilities in development of the recreation area, including boating, water skiing, and fishing, it will be one of the outstanding in the state of North Dakota. If there are any representatives of the Wahpeton Chamber of Commerce who might visit the Fort Yates area, I would appreciate their stopping in and making themselves known to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Council and members of the Standing Rock Agency Bureau of Indian Affairs staff in that I was Superintendent at that agency for several years and have many friends in that area. Sincerely yours, J. W. WELLINGTON, Superintendent. [From the Farmer-Globe, June 8, 1970] CITY POPULATION SHOWS 23.6 PERCENT GAIN The city of Wahpeton has shown a population growth of 23.6 per cent during the past 10 years according to preliminary 1970 census figures. It is the third fastest growing city in the state, surpassed only by West Fargo which showed a 53 percent increase and Dickinson with a 24.1 percent increase. The city's current population is 7,265 as compared with 5,876 in 1960. Part of the increase is attributed to the enrollment rise at the State School of Science. Hankinson showed a population decrease of 8.8 percent from 1,285 in 1960 to 1,172 in 1970. Lidgerwood is down by 6.7 percent from 1,009 to 1,081. The Census Bureau released preliminary totals for North Dakota cities over 1,000 in population. Figures are subject to some changes as the result of late enumerations and subsequent re-checks before the official figures are released in the fall. While the population of Richland County continues to decline, dropping from 18,824 in 1960 to the current figure of 18,078, Wahpeton has shown a continued growth from a community of 2,228 in 1900 to the present 7,265. A special census conducted in 1964 placed the population at 6,463. Between 1900 and 1910 a 10 percent increase took place and from 1950 to 1960 an increase of 14 percent was shown. Following are the population totals of cities of 1,000 or more in North Dakota for 1970 (preliminary) and 1960, and showing the percentage of change: RESOLUTION No. 410 SUPPORTING CONSTRUCTION OF A MISSOURI RIVER BRIDGE ALONG NORTH DAKOTA STATE HIGHWAY 11 OR 13 Be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Wahpeton that it go on record as favoring the construction of a new bridge over the Missouri River along North Dakota State Highway Number 11 or Number 13 and that the North Dakota Congressional Delegation be urged to work for the construction of said bridge along with the legislative and governmental officials within the State of North Dakota. Dated this 8th day of September, 1970. Attest: Senator RANDOLPH. Next person? PAUL BEITHON, Mayor. ARDEN ANDERSON, City Auditor. Mr. MEIER. We have the county commissioner from Richland County here, too. Senator RANDOLPH. Commissioner, we are glad to have you, sir. STATEMENT OF JOHN LINGEN, COUNTY COMMISSIONER, RICHLAND COUNTY, N. DAK. Mr. LINGEN. I am John Lingen, commissioner of Richland County, and we have prepared a resolution here, which I will not read, as part of the testimony. Senator RANDOLPH. We will make that a part of the record. (The resolution follows:) RESOLUTION OF RICHLAND COUNTY, N. DAK., COMMISSIONERS Commissioner John A. Hentz moved the adoption of the following resolution which was seconded by Commissioner John Lingen and carried: That, whereas, the sub-committee of the Senate Public Works Committee has scheduled a hearing on Senate Bill 229 in Bismarck, North Dakota on September 11, 1970; And, whereas, Senate Bill 229 is a bill providing for a bridge across the Oahe Reservoir between Bismarck, North Dakota and Mobridge, South Dakota; And, whereas, the Richland County Board of Commissioners have in the past supported the building of such a bridge connecting Emmons and Sioux counties for the reason that such a bridge would provide a direct and easy access between the two counties whereas at present anyone wishing to go east or west of the reservoir from Emmons and Sioux counties must now go either north to Mandan and Bismarck or south to Mobridge; And, whereas, it is felt that such a bridge may be of inestimable value for east-west movement of traffic in time of national emergency; And, whereas, a bridge in the area contemplated would greatly facilitate business and pleasure travel in the southern part of the state to an area that has the potential of becoming one of the primary tourist attractions in this country; Now, therefore, The Board of Richland County Commissioners urge and request the sub-committee of the Senate Public Works Committee to urge passage of Senate Bill 229. Dated at Wahpeton, North Dakota, this 18th day of August, 1970. Attest: MELVIN ERICKSON, Chairman. Mr. LINGEN. It was signed the 18th day of August 1970, and signed by Melvin Erickson, chairman, and it just moves for the adoption of Senate bill 229. Then I also have a prepared statement by myself, as a county commissioner, and as the chairman of a five-county Association of County Commissioners of Dickey, La Moure, Sargent, Ransom, and Richland Counties, also moving for the approval of Senate bill 229. Then I have a statement from the Hankinson Commercial Club and signed by their president, Max W. Wipperman III, urging approval of this bill, also. Senator RANDOLPH. Are those merchants? Mr. LINGEN. Yes. Senator RANDOLPH. How many merchants involved? Mr. LINGEN. This, I do not know. We haven't thought here in Hankison. I would say about 50 merchants. A city of about 1,100 people. Senator RANDOLPH. Thank you very much. Mr. LINGEN. This is my statement, and we urge you to act favorably. Senator RANDOLPH. We appreciate your comment, and the information will be in the printed record of this hearing. Thank you very much. Mr. LINGEN. Thank you. (The statements referred to follow :) RICHLAND COUNTY, N. DAK., Wahpeton, N. Dak., October 22, 1970. Undersigned is a Richland County, North Dakota, Commissioner and also chairman of the five County Association composed of the County commissioners of Dickey, Lamoure, Sargent, Ransom, and Richland Counties. In respect to Senate Bill 229 it is the opinion of undersigned that its approval is valid for the following reasons: (1) The reasons stated in the Richland County Commissioner's August 18, 1970 resolution of approval. (2) The bridge would benefit a large area and would be of special benefits to students attending schools such as the State School of Science at Wahpeton, ND, the Indian School at Wahpeton, ND; the University branch at Elendale, ND and other area schools in both North and South Dakota. (3) The business of agriculture and machine industry would benefit the midwest and the interests of the nation by providing a shorter route of travel from major shipping points both west and east across the midwest. (4) The interests of national defense would be better served to have the bridge, thereby allowing our defense forces the same access of and use afforded business and industry and removal of single route travel across the area involved. (5) The future of Garrison Diversion would be served by providing market routes for the crops of the future within this improvement. Respectfully submitted. JOHN LINGEN, Commissioner, Third District. HANKINSON COMMERCIAL CLUB, Hankinson, N. Dak., October 22, 1970. CHAIRMAN, BRIDGE COMMITTEE. DEAR SIR: We feel that the proposed bridge across the Missouri River in the southern part of the State will have many benefits. It would benefit commerce in regards to moving livestock and material from one part of the state to the other without the extra cost of transportation now necessary. It certainly would benefit the travelers from our part of the state wishing to go west of the river or on through the state as well as travelers coming from the west to our corner of the state. We feel it will benefit our town as well as the other towns along a highway leading to this bridge in regards to tourist and travelers spending money at our Motels, Cafes, and Gas Service Stations. We all know that any help to the people in small communities in our state will further the interest of trying to keep our people working and happy in staying in North Dakota. Sincerely yours, MAX A. WIPPERMAN III, President. Mr. MEIER. Is there anybody here from Wyndmere? Somebody here from Milnor? Yes. All right, thank you. Two from Milnor. Gwinner? Senator RANDOLPH. Let's have the record reflect the names of the gentlemen who are standing. Mr. MEIER. Would you like to have the names? Senator RANDOLPH. I want the names in the record. Mr. SEBENS. Marvin Sebens of Milnor, N. Dak. Mr. FRIGEN. Harold Frigen of Milnor. Senator RANDOLPH. The next persons? Mr. SANGER. I would like to have the names of those attending from Wahpeton read into the record. Would this be appropriate? Senator RANDOLPH. Yes; I tell you I am very anxious to have names involved in this record. People who are here, not just sitting here, but come and would talk, you see, if the opportunity were given. They are here in support, as I understand-is this correct-of this proposal? Mr. MEIER. Yes. Mr. SANGER. Most of our statements from Wahpeton are supported by people that are actually here, but in the interests of time, they will relinquish their reading of their statements, but I would like to read into the record who these people are, because I think that it is important that we have come quite a ways. Senator RANDOLPH. Yes, sir; and I want you to know that I am not attempting to, you know, cut anyone off. I want you to. |