KOTA Territory NewsBelle Fourche feels effects of ND oil boom

Belle Fourche feels effects of ND oil boom

It's a small town, in high demand. 

"The phones are certainly ringing off the hook here," said Teresa Schanzenbach, Director of the Belle Fourche Chamber of Commerce.
 
Belle Fourche is poised to share in the economic boom that has accompanied North Dakota's oil expansion.
 
"We've seen an increase in the sales tax revenue, some businesses are taking advantage of what's happening in North Dakota.
 
But some economic leaders are worried the sudden influx of money, traffic and industry may have a damaging price.
 
"It could backfire. Our roads could just get used and abused and not get fixed up leaving the community devastated. There's always the negatives that come about when you have such large growth," said Schanzenbach.
 
Traffic at truck stops are a great indication of just how busy Belle Fourche has already become. But local law enforcement say they're already seeing some the negative consequences of the North Dakota oil boom, as well.
 
"One trend we've noticed is an increase in DUI's, and accidents from fatigued workers.  We have more transient people traveling through our area. You lose those people that are vested in what the community is about," said Belle Fourche Sheriff Fred Lamphere.
 
Sheriff Lamphere says some community members are having a harder time than others as the town expands.
 
"There's been a large number of females coming in and buying handguns. Citizens just don't recognize people when they go out," said Lamphere.
 
With so much at stake, business advocates are closely considering the long term consequences before moving forward with any sudden expansion.
 
"There's a lot of insastructure that goes into this. If they're not going to stick around, that causes heartache in a community. We want the growth to be as sustaining and long term as possible. Not just for five or ten years," said Schanzenbach. 

The Belle Fourche Chamber of Commerce is hosting an informational meeting Thursday night to discuss what effects the oil boom may have on western South Dakota.
The meeting will take place at the Belle Fourche community center at 7 pm.