Local Impact

Local Impact. Pyramids on the Prairie. , In a 1974 North Dakota State University interview-poll of long-time residents, newcomers, and local officials, four out of five respondents indicated that the overall effect of the Safeguard project had been beneficial in terms of the augmentation of business activity and employment opportunities, whereas only one in ten thought the effects were detrimental., Local Impact , Economics and Business , . Employment increased by 47.1%. , . Total sales for Langdon businesses increased by 40.2%. , . Personal income in Cavalier County increased 202%. , . 70 businesses opened in the region. , . 45 existing businesses expanded. , . Langdon's population nearly doubled in three years, rising from 2,182 residents in 1970 to 3,957 by 1973. , Infrastructure , . A $1.3 million expansion of water and waste systems took place. , . A new water tower was constructed. , . Over 100 water main breaks occurred in the winter of 1970-71. , . An additional 1,170 new phone lines were installed. , . Street and highway repair costs of $11.6 million went to roads damaged by heavy construction traffic (74% of cost paid with federal funds). , . Natural gas was brought to the area. , Education , . The area's school systems increased by 637 students. , . Enrollment for the Nekoma school system increased 155%. , . Truancy and dropout rates did not change significantly. , Housing , . 72 single-unit homes were built from 1971 to 1975. , . Over 270 rental units were built from 1971 to 1975., Law Enforcement , . Public opinion and police data provide conflicting reports as to increased criminal activity due to Safeguard construction. , . Langdon police data revealed increased rates of drug and alcohol violations, shoplifting, and burglaries. Cavalier and Grafton reported no increase. , Medical , . Cavalier County Memorial Hospital (CCMH) capacity increased from 28 to 38 beds. , . Industrial and traffic accidents increased. , . Venereal disease and depression increased. , . A higher caliber of medical services were reported due to added staff and capacity. , . Complaints about doctor-to-patient ratios and long waits for appointments increased. , . Mental depression among spouses of new employees was reported by Langdon doctors. , New Residents , . 70% of employees at the site relocated from elsewhere. , . Western Electric employees, unaccustomed to the harsh weather, were given an allowance for "arctic clothing." , National and International Impact , The Safeguard deployment served to bring about the beginning to the end of the Cold War. In September 1972, after visiting the Safeguard site, Deputy Secretary of Defense Kenneth Rush, called the Anti-Ballistic Missile Site in North Dakota the "catalyst which made agreement possible between the United States and the Soviet Union on the Strategic Arms Limitations Talks." , Protest , A protest known as the "Festival of Love and Life" was attended by an estimated 500 people on May 16, 1970. Local officials accommodated the protest by bringing a stage and generators for bands as well as providing outhouses. Protesters flew kites, threw Frisbees, ate and drank, sloshed in the mud from rain the previous days, listened to rock music, and danced. Some played "Battle Hymn of the Republic" on kazoos while marching to the excavation site of the Missile Site Control Building. They removed the 2x4s in place for the mud slab and placed the boards in the form of a peace sign, buried a tomahawk, and smoked a peace pipe while vocalizing their demands for peace. They also planted trees and durum seeds in the broken ground. Overall, the protest was a peaceful event.