Williston Wrestles With Housing Subsidies

WILLISTON, N.D. (AP) — As the western North Dakota oil patch hub of Williston grows, so does the amount of money the city needs to subsidize housing for city employees.

The Williston Herald reports employees get $500 per month for housing, and the total went from $643,000 in 2012 to $1.2 million last year. City Commissioner Brad Bekkedahl says he expects the amount to climb to $1.5 million this year.

A national study from an apartment renting guide recently found that Williston had the highest average rent in the United States, at nearly $2,400 a month for a one-bedroom apartment.

Williston plans to seek more state money. Bekkedahl says the 2012 Legislature gave the city $60 million for essential housing projects, but the city has about $300 million in needs.

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