Compatible Use Study Update
Scope & Work Program
CITY OF MINOT PROJECT MANAGEMENT TEAM
Grantee Organization:
City of Minot - Minot Air Force Base Installation Readiness Committee
Dave Lakefield, Finance Director, City of Minot, Authorized Reprehensive for OLDCC
Brian Billingsley, Community & Economic Development Director, City of Minot, Project
Manager
Doug Diedrichsen, Principal Planner, City of Minot, Assistant Project Manager
Sub- Recipient Organization:
Minot Area Chamber EDC (MACEDC), Brekka Kramer, President | CEO, MACEDC, Keli
Rosselli-Sullivan, Military Liaison, MACEDC
Project Background:
Minot Air Force Base (Minot AFB) hosts two of the Air Force’s most critical units: the 5th
Bomb Wing, which operates the B-52H Stratofortress, and the 91st Missile Wing, which
oversees the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile system. These units form a vital part
of the U.S. nuclear triad, ensuring strategic deterrence and rapid global strike capabilities. The
success of these missions depends not only on Minot AFB’s internal readiness but also on the
strength, resilience, and compatibility of the surrounding region.
The City of Minot and nearby communities serve as the primary support system for Minot
AFB’s military, civilian, and contractor personnel. These communities provide essential
services—such as housing, education, healthcare, retail, and transportation—as well as defense-
related infrastructure, including water, sewer, electricity, and broadband. In turn, Minot AFB is a
major economic driver for the City of Minot and the region, contributing over $651 million to
the local economy in 2024. As the largest employer in Ward County, Minot AFB employed
approximately 6,479 personnel, including active duty, reserve, and civilian staff. The total annual
payroll exceeded $451 million, with an estimated $18 million in economic impact generated
through indirect job support across the region. This deep interdependence underscores the
importance of coordinated planning to ensure both mission assurance and community resilience.
The region has undergone significant transformation in recent decades. Since the early 2000s, the
Bakken Shale oil boom has dramatically reshaped the economic and physical landscape of north-
central North Dakota. Technological advances in hydraulic fracturing have unlocked vast oil
reserves, leading to rapid industrial development, population growth, and infrastructure
expansion. Minot AFB lies at the eastern edge of this activity, with its missile
complex—comprising 150 Launch Facilities and 15 Missile Alert Facilities—spread across an
8,500-square-mile area that overlaps with the Bakken region.
While the oil and gas industry has brought economic benefits, it has also introduced new
challenges. Increased traffic, incompatible development near sensitive military sites, and strain
on local infrastructure have raised concerns about safety, land use conflicts, and the potential for
interference with military operations. In 2015, the Minot AFB Joint Land Use Study (JLUS)
identified many of these risks and offered a roadmap for improving land use compatibility,
infrastructure resilience, and civil-military coordination. However, since its publication, the
region has continued to evolve. New development pressures, weather-related threats, and
changes in military operations have rendered many of the JLUS recommendations outdated or
incomplete. To address these emerging challenges, the City of Minot proposes to update and
expand the JLUS into a modern Compatible Use Study and conduct an Installation Resilience
Review. This proactive planning initiative will ensure that Minot AFB remains mission-ready
while supporting the long-term vitality of the City of Minot and surrounding region.
Project Vision:
Together, the Compatible Use Study and Installation Resilience Review will foster proactive
communication and collaboration between the military and civilian sectors. These efforts will
support the long-term vitality of the region. Anticipated benefits include:
Prioritized Infrastructure and Policy Recommendations: A comprehensive, data-driven list of
community infrastructure projects and policy actions will be developed to guide future
investments. These recommendations will help local and regional leaders allocate resources
efficiently, address vulnerabilities, and support sustainable growth. The list will include
estimated costs, timelines, and implementation strategies to facilitate funding and execution.
Improved Infrastructure Resilience: The studies will identify opportunities to strengthen defense-
related community systems—such as water, sewer, stormwater, electricity, broadband, and
transportation—by reducing single points of failure and increasing redundancy. This will
enhance the region’s ability to withstand and recover from extreme weather events and other
disruptions.
Enhanced Mission Assurance for Minot AFB: By addressing off-base infrastructure and weather-
related risks, the project will directly support the continuity of operations at Minot AFB. This
includes ensuring reliable access to utilities, transportation corridors, and other resources that lie
outside the installation’s boundaries.
Informed Land Use and Development Planning: The Compatible Use Study will provide a
strategic framework for updating zoning ordinances and comprehensive plans to ensure that
future development is compatible with military operations. This will help prevent encroachment,
reduce land use conflicts, and support mutually beneficial growth.
Stronger Civil-Military Collaboration: The planning process will foster ongoing communication
and coordination between Minot AFB leadership, local governments, regional agencies, and
utility providers. This collaboration will build trust, streamline decision-making, and ensure that
both military and civilian needs are addressed in future planning efforts.
Increased Public Awareness and Support: Public outreach and engagement activities will raise
awareness of Minot AFB’s role in national defense and its economic contributions to the region.
This will help build community support for compatible development and infrastructure
investments that benefit both the base and the broader region. Foundation for Future Funding and
Implementation: The studies will position the City of Minot and its partners to pursue additional
federal, state, and private funding opportunities. By providing clear priorities and justifications,
the grant effort will strengthen future actions.
Support for Economic Development and Quality of Life: By aligning infrastructure
improvements and land use planning with military needs, the grant effort will also support
broader community goals, enhancing the overall quality of life for residents and military families
alike. This will support recruitment and retention of military members.
Preliminary Timeline:
The City of Minot will utilize grant funds to hire a consultant to complete the Compatible Use
Study and Installation Readiness Review. Following the award of funding, the City of Minot will
establish an Advisory Committee to oversee the project. Once the committee is formed and has
approved the final Request for Proposal (RFP), a professional consulting team will be selected
through a formal procurement process. All procurement with grant funds will be in accordance
with applicable State and local laws and regulations, and applicable Federal laws and standards,
including compliance with the procurement standards in 2 CFR Part 200, “Uniform
Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements For Federal Awards.”
Contractor selection criteria will be included in any RFP, including cost as a factor.
Initial Grant Coordination (September 2025 – December 2025)
September 2025: Establish Advisory Committee and hold first meeting to review Scope of Work,
finalize RFP, and determine
Technical Committee members
November 2025: Issue RFP
December 2025: Interview, score, and rank qualified consultants
January 2026: Hold project kick-off with Consultant and Advisory Committee
Compatible Use Study and Installation Readiness Review (January 2026 – August 2026)
January 2026– August 2026: Data collection, mapping, analysis, and assessment
January 2026 – August 2026: Stakeholder engagement
By September, 2026: Tabletop Exercise
Deliverable Finalization (September 2026 – February 2027)
September 2026 – November 2026: Complete draft and final reports
February 2027: Adopt and submit final deliverables
Project Scope & Work Program as Outlined in the Grant Application
Task 1 Project Management and Administration
Subtask 1.1 – Advisory and Technical Committee
The City of Minot will establish an Advisory Committee comprised of a representative from the
agricultural Industry, energy industry, each County, the City of Minot, Fort Berthold Indian
Reservation, Minot International Airport, MACEDC, North Dakota Department of Commerce,
Minot AFB (ex-officio), Souris Basin Planning Council, and any additional representatives
deemed necessary.
A Technical Committee will serve as an advisory body to the Advisory Committee and will
include the planners of each jurisdiction, and Minot AFB staff, to assist with data gathering and
technical input and review throughout the study process. The Committee may also include local
businesses, energy industry representatives, agricultural industry representatives, land owners,
resource conservation organizations, the development community, NDDOT, public utilities, and
others. Smaller working groups may also be established throughout the project effort to focus on
specific topics as the need arises. The working groups will provide their findings to the Technical
Committee.
Subtask 1.2 – Consultant Procurement
All procurement with grant funds will be in accordance with applicable State and local laws and
regulations, and applicable Federal laws and standards, including compliance with the
procurement standards in 2 CFR Part 200 "Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost
Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.” Contractor selection criteria will be
included in any RFP, including cost as a factor.
Task 2 Compatible Use Study Addendum
Building upon the findings of the 2015 Minot AFB Joint Land Use Study (JLUS), this
Compatible Use Study (CUS) Addendum will evaluate current land use patterns, development
strategies, and infrastructure practices to ensure alignment with the operational needs of Minot
AFB. The study will identify both challenges and opportunities related to land use compatibility
and mutual sustainment, as defined by stakeholders and committee members.
Key compatibility issues - The study will reassess key factors influencing military mission
compatibility, including:
Land Use and Encroachment
Incompatible Land Use: Civilian development near the base and the Minuteman III 150 launch
facilities and 15 missile alert facilities; residential or commercial development in accident
potential zones and runway clear zones.
Encroachment from Industry: Oil, gas and energy project development near military or aviation
operations.
Urban Growth and Redevelopment: Expansion of cities and economic activity (including foreign
owned operations) into areas critical for military or aviation use.
Environmental and Natural Resource Conflicts
Endangered Species and Habitat Management: Conflicts between conservation efforts and
operational needs.
Incompatible Resource Use: Conflicting land, air, and water uses that interfere with mission
readiness or safety.
Airspace and Flight Safety Hazards
Vertical Obstructions: Tall structures like wind turbines, towers, or buildings interfering with
flight paths.
Light Pollution: Urban lighting affecting night operations, observatories, or pilot visibility.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Threats: Unauthorized or unsafe drone activity near
operational zones.
Infrastructure and Access
Infrastructure Limitations: Inadequate or poorly planned roadways, utilities, and communication
systems encroaching on access and logistics.
Noise and Community Impact
Noise Conflicts: Aircraft or operational noise impacting nearby residential or sensitive areas.
Subtask 2.1 – Project Initiation and Administration
Work Plan Finalization: The consultant will collaborate with City of Minot staff to refine the
work plan, ensuring alignment with study goals and budget. The final plan will be presented to
the Advisory and Technical Committees for approval.
Project Management: The consultant will support the City of Minot in managing the study,
including:
Scheduling and facilitating meetings with stakeholders and committees.
Preparing maps, presentations, and study materials.
Maintaining the schedule and performance tracking.
Coordinating public and committee meetings, including notices, agendas, and minutes. This
includes a minimum of three public meetings, three Advisory Committee meetings, and bi-
monthly Technical Committee meetings.
Providing monthly progress reports and phase-end briefings.
Agency Coordination: The City of Minot will serve as the primary liaison with federal, state, and
local agencies, ensuring all materials are reviewed prior to public release.
Subtask 2.2 – Data Collection, Mapping, and Analysis
Evaluate the relevance and accuracy of the 2015 Minot AFB JLUS findings. Identify which
recommendations have been implemented, are still relevant, or need revision and conduct a gap
analysis to determine areas requiring further study.
Collect current land use and zoning data from jurisdictions surrounding Minot AFB.
Review local jurisdictions that have future land use plans.
Review the MPO road classification map.
This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.
