For 50 years, Interstate Engineering has been making a lasting impact on communities throughout the Upper Midwest. Their Wahpeton office continues that legacy by providing trusted engineering, surveying, and planning services that help our region grow and thrive. Learn more about their story right here.
1. What has the Wahpeton office’s journey looked like over the years, and how has your presence grown within the Twin Towns?
Randy Pope, one of the five founders of Interstate Engineering, opened the Wahpeton office location at Gene Pope’s, his father's home, in 1982. They moved to a rented office space in 1986, which is now Pizza Ranch. This small team of two quickly grew with the addition of key staff such as Tim Pearson and Damon DeVillers. Gene Pope, alongside Randy, began splitting time between Jamestown and Wahpeton. From those early days of serving the City of Wahpeton, the Richland County Water Board, and surrounding small communities with engineering and surveying services, the office steadily expanded, culminating in the construction of its current Wahpeton office space in 2003-2004.
2. What are a few standout projects your Wahpeton team has worked on locally that you’re especially proud of?
Every community project has a story. A few standout stories from the Wahpeton team include their work during the 1997 flood in Wahpeton and Breckenridge; the major Dakota Avenue project completed around 2010; the Rhino Zebra Zoo project; ongoing contributions to NDSCS; and track improvements and building additions for Wahpeton Public Schools.
3. How has Interstate Engineering contributed to the development, safety, or growth of Wahpeton–Breckenridge over the past few decades?
Over the past few decades, Interstate Engineering has contributed to the development, safety, and growth of the Wahpeton–Breckenridge community through impactful projects such as flood response efforts, the Dakota Avenue reconstruction, and the development of walking paths that enhance connectivity and quality of life for its residents.
4. What does that collaboration look like in day-to-day projects here in the Twin Towns?
Collaboration in the Twin Towns, Wahpeton and Breckenridge, is a hands-on, day-to-day process where our team works closely with local leaders, businesses, and residents to understand community needs, keep the lines of communication open, and develop practical solutions that support each project from planning through completion.
5. What are some unique engineering needs of this region and how does your team approach them?
Wahpeton and Breckenridge present unique engineering challenges, including frequent flooding, their location at the bottom of an ancient lakebed with difficult soil conditions, and varied terrain. Our team approaches these challenges with thoughtful, customized solutions designed to manage water, stabilize infrastructure, and adapt to the region’s landscape.
Richland County Highway Shop
Hankinson, ND / Completion Date: 2023
6. What’s one major industry innovation or local trend that’s shaped how you do your work today?
One major innovation that has shaped how we work today is the advancement of technology. As the engineering industry has transitioned from hand-drawn plans to computer-based design and has significantly improved surveying tools, this technology has enabled faster, more accurate results.
7. What’s something special about the Wahpeton Interstate Engineering team that the community might not know?
Something special about the Wahpeton Interstate Engineering team is how deeply involved they are in the community. We have team members who actively serve on the school and city boards, are members on the zoo board, participate in booster clubs, coach kids, sponsor local activities, and engage with local groups like the NDSCS Construction Design Technology Club.
8. Looking back at 50 years, what’s one lesson Interstate Engineering has learned from working specifically in the Twin Towns area?
Although the river may divide Wahpeton and Breckenridge geographically, Interstate Engineering recognizes the importance of strong community involvement, especially in local schools. Working in the Twin Towns offers a unique opportunity to see firsthand how the communities come together, supporting one another through their work, local partnerships, and shared spaces like the zoo.
9. Looking ahead, what projects, goals, or opportunities excite your Wahpeton team for the next 5–10 years?
Looking ahead, the Wahpeton team is excited about opportunities for greater regional collaboration of the Twin Towns, such as coming together as one community to share resources and infrastructure like joint water and wastewater treatment facilities.
10. If you could describe Interstate Engineering’s role in the Twin Towns in one sentence, what would it be?
Interstate Engineering will continue to drive innovation and address challenges in the Wahpeton and Breckenridge communities, such as flooding, and bring these towns, as well as counties, together to create unified solutions that lead to better outcomes for all.
Address:
1999 4th ST N
Suite A
Wahpeton, ND 58075
Contact:
(701)-642-5521