FARGO, N.D. (AP) — The head of Fargo-Moorhead's Convention and Visitors Bureau says the expansion of the Bismarck Civic Center will give Bismarck an edge in the competition for conventions.

Charley Johnson tells The Forum newspaper (http://bit.ly/1dDiexd ) that Fargo-Moorhead lacks a big convention space with adequate breakout rooms. He supports the idea of adding on to the Fargodome or building a convention center downtown. He says it's needed if Fargo is going to compete with cities not only in the state but in the region.

Fargo has hired a consultant to study what to do.

Construction on the $27 million expansion to the Bismarck Civic Center started in July and is expected to be done by next May, in time for a major oil conference.

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