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CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) Approval of .25 million dollars in Tax Increment financing for the new I-94 Regional Development Corridor east of John Deere Seeding was approved by the Valley City commission Monday.

Construction of a new National Guard Facility will anchor the development on a 77 acre tract of land owned by the Stan Ryan family. The proposal also includes a business and housing development.

City Administrator David Schelkoph said after the closing on the Stan Ryan property is completed the city will annex the 77 acre tract of land. Schelkoph said homes and properties along east main below the Ryan land will not be targeted for annexation at this time. He said that issue will be addressed in the future. 

Jennifer Feist, Valley City/Barnes County Economic Development Director said it’s one of the largest development proposals in the community.

Valley Development Corporation spokesman George Gaukler said the development will bring in good paying jobs.

However, the plan requires a vote to extend the city’s sales tax used for economic development, road repair & replace fund and business image enhancement through 2029. City Auditor Avis Richter said Valley City residents will receive a separate ballot along with their regular county ballot to vote up or down on the advisory vote at their respective precincts on November 6. Valley City residents who wish to vote absentee on the advisory sales tax vote can do so at city hall starting Friday, October 5.

Construction on the new $31 million National Guard facility is tentatively set for the spring of 2014. The number of full-time soldiers would increase from 23 to nearly 35.

The Development Corporation will also pursue grants to help support the construction costs associated with water and other underground infrastructure development needed for the new National Guard facility and future industrial sites.