Minot, ND – In a unanimous decision Tuesday, the Minot City Council approved a state grant of almost $19,000 to bolster traffic enforcement across the city. The funding, provided by the North Dakota Department of Transportation, will cover overtime costs for police officers who focus on distracted‑driving, impaired‑driving, speeding, seat‑belt violations and under‑age drinking.
Grant details and timeline
The grant runs through September 2025 and does not require any local matching funds. According to the council’s public‑works liaison, the largest portion of the money will be earmarked for operations aimed at reducing distracted‑driving incidents, a growing safety concern on Minot’s highways and city streets.
Why the focus on distracted driving?
Police Chief John Smith explained that distracted‑driving crashes have risen statewide over the past two years, with cell‑phone use behind the wheel identified as a leading factor. “By allocating resources specifically for this issue, we can protect families, keep our roads safer, and uphold the community’s right to travel without unnecessary risk,” he said.
Council members’ statements
Mayor Emily Johnson praised the unanimous vote, noting that the grant reflects a shared commitment to public safety and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. “Our city’s families deserve streets where children can walk to school without fearing reckless drivers,” she added.
Councilmember Mike Larson highlighted the grant’s impact on law‑enforcement staffing, saying the overtime support will allow officers to maintain a visible presence during peak traffic hours without stretching the department’s regular budget.
Implementation plan
Starting next month, the Minot Police Department will schedule additional patrols on major corridors such as Broadway and the University Avenue corridor. Officers will use a combination of visual observation and radar technology to identify violations. Citations for distracted‑driving will carry the same penalties as existing traffic offenses, reinforcing the message that unsafe behavior will not be tolerated.
Community response
Local residents have expressed relief at the council’s action. “I’ve seen too many near‑misses caused by drivers looking at their phones,” said Sarah Miller, a parent of two elementary‑school children. “It’s good to know our leaders are taking concrete steps to keep our streets safe.”
Business owners along the downtown corridor also welcomed the move, noting that safer streets can boost commerce by encouraging more foot traffic. “When people feel safe driving and walking, they’re more likely to shop locally,” said Tom Hernandez, owner of a downtown coffee shop.
Looking ahead
The council plans to review the grant’s effectiveness after six months, using data on citation rates and crash statistics to determine whether additional funding or policy adjustments are needed. If the initiative proves successful, officials say they will explore similar grants for other public‑safety priorities, such as impaired‑driving enforcement during holiday periods.
For now, Minot’s leaders view the grant as a proactive step toward protecting families, preserving the community’s quality of life, and upholding the values that make the city a strong, family‑focused place to live.
Original reporting: KFYR-TV Bismarck (news) — read the source article.
