The Rugby Farmers Elevator started the construction of its $8 million expansion project on May 31. The project will have a few components operating by December 31 of this year. However, the project is scheduled to be completed by September, 2012.

The completely new elevator with its new large leg capacity will be capable of storing 640,000 bushels of crop. The new building will be east of the present facility. It will have a double driveway.

When the board decided to expand the facility last fall, crop yields had been high for a couple years, and more storage capacity was needed. The project, when completed, will reduce train loading time by several hours, increasing efficiency. This will result in a savings of approximately $20,000/train.

Last fall, the board voted to purchase 11 properties (five houses and six lots) to the east of the present facility to make room for the expansion project. The back part of the lots will be used for the project. The homes won’t be moved until a later date as the land they are on is not needed yet.

“We are taking this project one step at a time,” said Ken Schaan, board president, Rugby Farmers Elevator.

The City changed the zoning from residential to light industrial at their January 3, 2011 meeting at the request of the elevator board and with two public readings. This set the stage for the expansion project.

Three weeks ago work began on the site. Piles mark the area, according to Schaan. He said the project was three weeks behind schedule, but is still expected to be completed by fall of 2012.

Vigen Construction is the main contractor for the new elevator. That company is well aware of the advantages of using local sub contractors and plans to do so where schedules work out, according to Schaan.

“Doug Schneider of Rugby has done the dirty work,” said Schaan.

Last fall when the manager of the elevator Tim McKay appeared before the city council, he said the project will also get trucks off the street and help improve the traffic flow near the elevator.

At any rate, the grain elevator project is progressing and business is as usual.

” So far, grain trains are still coming through despite the flooding in Minot,” said Schaan.

McKay has had to evacuate his home in Minot because of the flood situation there.