The prairie shale-oil operations were absolutely booming back during the oil-embargo. Within 3 years, the entire industry virtually disappeared. The situation for North Dakota could easily change overnight.
based on what I’ve read:
“Apr 29, 2012 – But many aren’t prepared for the hardships of life on the plains: the cold, the wind, the monotony. ... Within two weeks of arriving in North Dakota last July, Kevin ... Industry officials predict that the oil boom will last at least 10 to 15 years, ... “
Hopefully the money will continue to roll into N. Dakota for a while.