County Board - KXNet - Bismarck/Minot/Williston/Dickinson

County Board

What is the future of homes along the Mouse River that have been acquired by Ward County?

That question was discussed at length today at the meeting of the Ward County Commissioners.

Many flooded homes that have since been purchased by the county are in a condition where they can still be salvaged...but not at the location they presently sit.

Dana Larsen presented commissioners this morning with the idea of re-selling the homes to interested parties...with those homes having to be moved off site.

About 16 properties look like they will be able to go through this process because they are free of asbestos or any other environmental hazard.

(Dana Larsen - Ward County Highway Engineer) "One would be selling the homes for them to be moved out. Another option would be letting non-profit groups salvage material in a home to be used in a rebuilding project."

Much discussion revolved around allowing non-profits the ability to salvage items like windows or other materials -- but then resold by those groups.

The commission's wishes were to see the materials be used to help rebuild other homes...not to be sold off again.

The hope is to complete this process of re-selling the homes throughout the summer months.