What is the CUS?

The Grand Forks AFB Compatible Use Study (CUS) is a cooperative planning effort that brings together local governments, agencies, and community stakeholders with military representatives to identify existing and potential compatibility conflicts and enhance coordination between Grand Forks AFB and surrounding communities. The study seeks to proactively address land use and development challenges while supporting mission readiness and community growth. 

The Grand Forks AFB CUS will benefit both Grand Forks AFB and the surrounding region by:

• Protecting the health and safety of area residents, workers, and visitors;
• Promoting the compatible use and/or preservation of viable, long-term land and shared resources between Grand Forks AFB and nearby communities; and 
• Sustaining the economic vitality of the region.

What Are the Project’s Goal and Objectives?

The primary goal of the CUS is to identify challenges and opportunities in sustaining both the military mission and local economic growth and development. The objectives of the CUS process are fourfold:

What Will the Grand Forks CUS Assess?

The Grand Forks AFB CUS will focus on the existing development context, mechanisms for improving planning coordination, and opportunities for mutually beneficial growth. The CUS will provide project partners, stakeholders, and the public:

• An assessment of existing land uses, environmentally sensitive areas, potential growth areas, and economic development opportunities around Grand Forks AFB;
• Information to assist surrounding communities in making informed decisions regarding compatible development;
• Recommendations for promoting compatible land use and environmental preservation near Grand Forks AFB and in surrounding communities.

What Is Compatibility?

Compatibility is the balance between the operational needs of Grand Forks AFB and the continued growth of the surrounding region. It considers how land use, infrastructure, airspace, environmental conditions, and emerging technologies interact with the installation’s mission.

A compatible environment protects mission readiness and reduces potential conflicts while supporting safe, sustainable development and long-term regional resilience. Through the Compatible Use Study, compatibility becomes a proactive strategy to strengthen coordination and ensure both the installation and the community can thrive together. 

 

25 Compatibility Factors

Compatibility factors are general categories, or types, of compatibility issues that can arise from growth and development near military installations. 25 compatibility factors will be used as a framework for identifying the specific issues within each category that are impacting Grand Forks AFB, surrounding jurisdictions, and/or other area stakeholders and to direct the development of appropriate mitigation strategies. Although issues may not be identified for every compatibility factor in the Study Area, this approach ensures a comprehensive assessment of all potential concerns and prompts dialogue with project stakeholders.

Who Will Guide the Development of the CUS?

Two committees comprising city, county, military, and other stakeholders will guide the Study:

Advisory Committee (AC)

The Advisory Committee includes elected officials and representatives from the various communities in the CUS Study Area. Leadership from Grand Forks AFB will serve in an advisory capacity to the committee. The Advisory Committee will provide key insights into local and regional issues and will also be critical in helping establish and maintain relationships between key stakeholders, the communities, and the CUS project team.

Working Group (WG)

The Working Group includes representatives from local jurisdictions, agencies, and other stakeholders with expertise in one or more of the 25 compatibility factors that will be assessed throughout the CUS process. Grand Forks AFB representation on the Working Group will be in an advisory capacity. The Working Group will identify and address technical issues, provide feedback on reports, and assist in developing and evaluating implementation strategies.

Project Study Area

The study area includes Grand Forks Air Force Base and surrounding jurisdictions within Grand Forks County and the broader region that may influence or be influenced by installation operations.

Project Timeline

The project will take approximately 12 months, with an anticipated completion date in December 2026.