The new Dakota Prairie diesel refinery near Dickinson is up and running.
"This is the first refinery built in the United States since 1976," said MDU Resources Group director of communications Rick Matteson. The refinery has been under construction for the past two years.
"The refinery will process 20,000 barrels per day of Bakken crude oil," said Matteson. "As it ramps up into full production, it will give up to 7,000 barrels per day of diesel fuel, as well as some residual other products."
For the past several years, North Dakota has been experiencing diesel fuel shortages. Matteson says this refinery will help.
"It comes at a time when farmers are getting into the field and doing their planting," said Matteson. "It's good timing for that."
Matteson says the state imports two-thirds of its diesel fuel demand.
"So this wiull certainly help the local market," said Matteson.
Total construction cost is estimated at between $425 and $435 million. The refinery employs 80 people.