Press Releases

At a news conference on June 11, Dallas-based Energy Transfer committed to a $3 million contribution to the City of Mandan to help fund improvements at the Morton Mandan Public Library and Main Street parks that function as community gathering spaces. The $3 million donation over two years will assist with a library refresh and enhancements to the adjacent Dykshoorn and Heritage Parks.

Tentative plans include construction of a new home for the bookmobile near the library. The building may also accommodate portable equipment used for community events. Other project components may include a new library atrium, additional public restrooms, window replacements and masonry tuck-pointing, and a more formal entrance. Possible park enhancements include a ticket booth for Dykshoorn Park, and a pavilion in Heritage Park to provide shelter for activities. Project scope and details will be determined once architectural services are secured.

“We are very honored to receive this donation from Energy Transfer, and for their interest in helping us to continue to enhance our quality of life here in Mandan,” said Mayor Tim Helbling. “Mandan is a Main Street community and this donation will certainly go a long way in making our downtown a more attractive and more vibrant place.”

“This contribution is part of our commitment to be a valued business partner in North Dakota,” said Chris Curia, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer of Dallas-based Energy Transfer. “We are grateful for the support we received from the people of Mandan throughout the construction of the Dakota Access pipeline, and we wanted to find a way to benefit residents of all ages throughout the county.”

The donations will help make the library more inviting and will make the parks more useable throughout the year for activities such as farmers markets, additional concerts and events. Morton County residents and others currently visit the library an estimated 80,000 times per year to check out materials, participate in programs, use computers or meeting spaces, and receive other services. Mandan’s Dykshoorn and Heritage parks are the prime location for many community festivals including Buggies-n-Blues, Art in the Park, and Oktoberfest plus weeknight summer concerts.

City leaders will seek other donations toward the projects for any additional costs associated with the projects.

Energy Transfer is the developer of the Dakota Access Pipeline. The company also donated $10,000 for the renovation of the Mandan Veterans Memorial Ballpark. Across the state of North Dakota, the company has donated more than $5.2 million over the past three years.

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