Bismarck (KFGO AM) -- Fargo's highly successfull Renaissance Zone is about to expand. Legislation just signed by Governor Dalrymple increases the size of the areas that can qualify for the program. For larger cities like Fargo, the cap increases from a maximum of 38 blocks to 49 blocks.
City Planner Joe Nigg says the program has been a major component in the redevelopment of downtown Fargo for more than a decade. He says Fargo has approved 240 renaissance zone projects since its inception.
Nigg says due in large part to the Renaissance Zone tax incentives, there's been a significant increase in the assessed value of downtown properties.