Thu05172012

Last update01:00:41 AM GMT

Back Regional Regional News South Dakota SD event focuses on oil boom's problems, potential

SD event focuses on oil boom's problems, potential

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BELLE FOURCHE, S.D. (AP) - North Dakota's oil boom brings with it tremendous wealth - and enormous problems.


So say hundreds of people who gathered at the Belle Fourche Area Community Center for a town hall meeting Thursday night about the oil and gas drilling frenzy that's trickling down to South Dakota.


The standing room-only event was designed to squash rumors and spread information about changes South Dakotans should expect if the state taps its own oil potential. But for some, it largely was an opportunity to air their fears about the potential traffic jams, housing shortages and crammed hotels.


South Dakota has oil wells in counties such as Butte and Harding.


Gene Veeder, a panel speaker and job developer in North Dakota's McKenzie County, says people should focus on planning, not fears. He urged building single-family units.

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