$1.5 Billion Fertilizer Plant Near Grand Forks on Course to be Built

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) — A group planning a $1.5 billion nitrogen fertilizer plant in northeastern North Dakota is in the process of buying a site.

The Grand Forks Herald reports that Northern Plains Nitrogen Chairman Darin Anderson says the company is buying land next to Grand Forks' municipal sewage lagoons north of the city and east of Interstate 29.

Anderson says the project also has secured a supply of natural gas, which will be converted into farm fertilizer products such as anhydrous ammonia and urea.

CEO Don Pottinger says financing must still be arranged before construction can begin. The hope is to start building the plant in 2015 and have it operating in two years.