Oil Boom Means Growth for North Dakota Airports

DFW Airport (Texas)

Thanks to its shale oil supply, North Dakota is experiencing an unprecedented industrial boom, and thousands of people are moving to the state each week for new jobs. These oil reserves are largely contained within the Bakken Region, a unit of rock that stretches from North Dakota to Manitoba and Saskatchewan. And while this shale oil could yield long-term economic benefits, it's currently taking a heavy toll on the state's transportation systems. In particular, North Dakotan airports are more crowded than ever before.

Two airports in particular provide evidence of this population growth. Dickinson’s Roosevelt Regional Airport served thousands more passengers in 2013 than in 2012, and Williston’s Sloulin Field International Airport handled tens of thousands more. Thus, state leaders are reviewing ways to increase air travel capacity. One answer is to pay for airport construction by utilizing Oil and Gas Impact Grant Funds, which are derived from taxes on the oil industry.

Modular construction represents a promising solution because modular buildings have already provided great help to an important hub of American aviation: Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

In Dallas, 15 modular offices were set up to facilitate the building of a new terminal. Much of the construction took place during the airport’s comparatively quiet hours so there was the least disruption possible. Connected by covered walkways, these offices take up 74,880 square feet, accommodate 600 employees, and include 105 modules. Restrooms, a conference room, and even a drug-testing facility are all part of this complex.

FAA Training Center (New York)

Besides the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, modular construction also aided in supplying the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) an air traffic control training center in Westbury, N.Y. FAA officials decided to establish a modular training facility because they wanted a building that could be built quickly and efficiently. The resulting two-story structure measures 5,740 square feet and consists of eight modules. A classroom, administrative headquarters, and flight simulators are all housed on these premises. Plus, the facility meets all government regulations and incorporates extensive energy-efficient technology.

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High School Students Build Modular Homes

The 150 students of the Seminole Ridge High School Construction Academy have just completed a new modular home for a Lake Worth family. The home was dedicated to Widlene Cenom in a ceremony that took place on February 27. Cenom was selected as recipient of this new modular home because of circumstances that occurred in 2010.

When Cenom was a few months pregnant, she learned that her husband had been killed in Haiti’s tragic earthquake. At that time, she was having difficulties paying the bills and it would have been nearly impossible for her to qualify for a conventional mortgage. Habitat for Humanity stepped in and chose Cenom to receive a modular home plus the mortgage to pay for it.

Several other volunteers played a role in constructing this latest modular building along with the students of Seminole Ridge High School Construction Academy. The students’ teacher Rick Terkovich was instrumental in helping them complete this project. Architect David Porter volunteered his time as this venture’s project manager. Building inspectors from Palm Beach County and subcontractors from the area also lent their services to this job.

The Royal Palm Beach High School Air Conditioning Academy also took part in this program. Teacher Patrick Raney guided his students as they added the air conditioning system and the necessary ductwork to the new home. It was Habitat for Humanity’s responsibility to donate the land where the house was eventually built as well as the materials that were needed to construct it.

Modular construction is being chosen more often because it allows people to create a dwelling in a relatively short period of time. As separate sections of the building are being constructed at a factory, workers can make sure that the site grading, utilities and foundation are in place before the pre-constructed sections are brought to the site.

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Former New Jersey Governor Recommends Modular Construction

Modular homes are a great option for people who want speedy construction and a sturdy home that is safe and good for the environment. These prefabricated homes can offer buyers a turnkey space solution. Former NJ Governor Christine (Christie) Todd Whitman recognized the benefits of modular construction and worked closely with her daughter and son-in-law, Kate and Craig Annis, on the construction of their prefabricated home. Whitman was New Jersey's governor between 1994 and 2001 and led the Environmental Protection Agency from early 2001 until mid-2003.

A modular home can be custom built to a buyer’s specifications or can be chosen from pre-designed standard models and even then, each house is carefully built with the home buyer in mind. They are strong, well-built and have many environmental advantages over traditional construction, a fact that appealed to Whitman. She and her family searched for the green benefits of a factory-built home with the look of traditional architecture. They finally found what they wanted, and construction began late in 2010.

Modular construction saves time and materials all while allowing a great deal of customization regarding style, floor plan and finishes. Because the majority of the construction takes place at an off-site facility weather related delays are minimized and there is a reduced risk of mold or rot with wood materials. Flatbed trucks transport finished modules to the home site where they are assembled on top of flat foundations, basements or crawl spaces. They are strong enough to survive the trip, and become even stronger as pieces are connected.

One of the goals in building the Annis' home was to gain LEED Platinum certification, which ensures resource and energy efficiency both during construction and in the finished home. Aspects such as water efficiency, indoor air quality and energy efficiency in insulation and in heating and cooling are part of achieving this top rating. Other environmental benefits incorporated in this particular home include formaldehyde-free insulation, non-VOC paints, renewable-resource finishes, and Energy Star ratings for appliances, lighting and other elements.

The Annis' were able to move into their modular home in March of 2011. Whitman remained involved throughout the construction of the home. She continues her participation in ecological issues as president of the Whitman Strategy Group (WSG), which focuses on finding environmental and energy solutions for governments, businesses and organizations.

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North Dakota: Too Many Jobs, Not Enough Housing

An economic boom is taking place in oil-rich western North Dakota. People seeking employment have traveled to North Dakota from all over the U.S. Some bring their families while others come alone or with friends to take advantage of job opportunities.

The influx of so many people in a relatively short period of time has resulted in a serious housing shortage. Many companies are turning to prefabricated homes to help North Dakota provide housing to their workforce. Modular homes can be built as a permanent or temporary housing solution depending on the need.

The housing shortage doesn’t just affect potential employees; it is also a challenge for the employers trying to hire those employees. About 20,000 jobs are still waiting to be filled and every single one of them will need a place to live.

Fortunately, modular housing provides a practical solution to the housing shortage. Modular homes are designed to withstand the harsh climate in North Dakota and offer the same interior and exterior design options seen in traditional stick-built homes. These prefabricated homes offer the same amenities for comfortable living that you would find in traditional construction.

Modular construction is an efficient housing solution to meet the needs of ND’s rapidly expanding workforce. With the reduced construction time, modular homes can be constructed and set quickly enough to help solve the housing issue in ND. Residents should remember that the construction of modular housing is 40% faster than traditional construction.

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