GRAND FORKS, N.D. (KFGO) – Senator Kevin Cramer says he is “skeptical” of a proposed corn milling project being considered in Grand Forks.
The city council has approved a development agreement with the Fufeng Group for a plant on the city’s north side. Several nearby land and business owners have opposed the project.
As Cramer put it, “getting into business with the Chinese Communist Party is not a thing to be taken lightly.”
“We know China to be a very bad actor, and they are serious adversaries,” Cramer said. “They have made incredible advancements, technologically. A lot of them that they’ve stolen. Others they’ve stolen and then improved upon, in everything from space to the seas.”
Cramer acknowledges that this was a local decision. He says he’s been in contact with Grand Forks Mayor Brandon Bochenski and Gov. Doug Burgum about the project.
Asked if he would pursue the deal if he were mayor, Cramer said he didn’t think it was worth the risk.
“I’d need to know a lot more, but I would be very skeptical,” Cramer said. “Quite honestly, I’d be looking for better deals. To weigh all the opportunities against the risks – I’d rather see a less risky opportunity than this, but again it’s not my call.”
Bochenski says he’s aware of Cramer’s concerns and said that’s why the city is doing its due diligence in vetting the project.
