Child care grants awarded in North Dakota oil patch

Five communities in North Dakota’s oil patch were awarded grants to increase child care capacity. Money from the state tax revenue was used to give $125,000 each to Killdeer, Watford City, Williston, Ray and Crosby ($625,000 total). Because of the influx of workers for oil-related jobs, the communities are suffering from a severe shortage of open child care spots. A study conducted by a Minneapolis, Minn., firm recommended 1,100 child care slots be added in Williston in the next five years. The study also reports that it would take a $28 million investment to meet just 50 percent of the child care needs. Read the story of the child care grants in the oil patch in the Dickinson Press (registration may be required).