BELLE FOURCHE, S.D. - The oil boom that has brought both wealth and woes to North Dakota is on its way to South Dakota - and experts say the state would be wise to prepare itself.
A panel of oil industry, infrastructure, and economy experts who gathered in Belle Fourche late Thursday told a crowd of about 600 people that they should brace themselves for what's "coming down the pipe." South Dakota has oil wells in counties such as Butte and Harding.
Lynn Hammerstrom, a former bank president, says the meeting helped people understand the effect of development and the stress it puts on the community.
The experts acknowledge that housing workers would be an issue, as would handling an increase in traffic. But they say the oil would bring jobs and money, too.
A panel of oil industry, infrastructure, and economy experts who gathered in Belle Fourche late Thursday told a crowd of about 600 people that they should brace themselves for what's "coming down the pipe." South Dakota has oil wells in counties such as Butte and Harding.
Lynn Hammerstrom, a former bank president, says the meeting helped people understand the effect of development and the stress it puts on the community.
The experts acknowledge that housing workers would be an issue, as would handling an increase in traffic. But they say the oil would bring jobs and money, too.
