North Dakota court rejects bid to put Chinese project to a citywide vote in Grand Forks
- Fufeng Group plans US$700 million corn-milling facility in Grand Forks, but some residents raise national security concerns, since site is close to US Air Force base
- Petitioners, who sought to put project up for a referendum, could appeal judge’s ruling but have not yet decided next steps
Residents of Grand Forks, North Dakota, may not have an opportunity after all to vote on whether to prevent China-based agribusiness Fufeng Group from coming to town, a state court has ruled.
On Friday, North Dakota District Judge Donovan Foughty granted city officials summary judgment and rejected a suit brought by petitioners seeking a citywide referendum on a proposed 370-acre corn milling plant by Fufueng USA, the company’s American subsidiary – cheering officials but dismaying some residents.
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'Red scare' or security threat? North Dakota city torn over proposed Chinese milling plant
Todd Feland, the Grand Forks city administrator, called it a “good day” for the city council, which has fully endorsed the project in the face of fierce local opposition.
“When we enter into agreements or contracts, those are not conditioned by citizens,” he said. “And that’s just part of having elected officials.”
Even so, Grand Forks, a city of 58,000, has been divided over the Fufeng proposal. The council, hailing it as a US$700 million “development project” that will generate jobs, issued the necessary approvals and permits.
But some residents have vehemently voiced concerns over national security, noting that 12 miles from the site, the Grand Forks Air Force Base houses operations that have been called critical to top US intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.