COLFAX, N.D. -- A grain elevator in Colfax, N.D., that was badly damaged by a Dec. 6 fire will be rebuilt.
The cause of the fire hasn't been determined, but Colfax Farmers Elevator Inc. general manager Carrol Duerr says the co-op is assessing the damage and plans to rebuild.
The total damage has not been assessed, but Duerr says it could be in the $1 million range.
Duerr says the co-op is at about 75 percent operational capacity. The business is crippled, but able to function and is financially solvent, he says.
Debris is still being cleared from the site by truck and train, he says.
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The rebuilding process will likely start in the spring when weather conditions improve, Duerr says.
A grain bin adjacent to the elevator structure was damaged and will also be rebuilt, he says.
An estimated 100,000 bushels of grain were in the elevator at the time of the fire. Duerr says some of that grain might be salvaged.
The elevator's offices were also destroyed. Duerr says the co-op is renting office space nearby.
The co-op employs 14 people, and is the second-largest employer in the town of about 120 people.
Duerr says the community and its neighbors support the rebuilding effort.
"The community has been great. Other communities have been good, as well," Duerr says. "Fellow people in the industry have been supportive ... They've all called and asked what they can do for us."
"The support is tremendous," he adds.
