Salt Caverns Study Millions Over Budget

(Bismarck, ND) — Organizers of a study of the viability of salt caverns to store gas and liquids are getting more funding, even though it is millions over budget. The three-member North Dakota Industrial Commission voted Thursday to reallocate two-and-a-half million dollars from a different project to complete an integral part of the salt cavern study. The commission also acted on the recommendation of Deputy Executive Director Reice Haase to also reallocate 500-thousand intended to buy land for a test well. The allocation will help pay for the services of an industry board that is advising UND’s Energy and Environmental Research Center.