An "economic development announcement" is planned at a Thursday morning press conference in Bismarck.

An invitation to the press conference from Bismarck Mayor John Warford said Gov. John Hoeven and Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D., will take part.

While no one would speak on the record, several sources said the announcement pertains to the development of an intermodal facility in Bismarck, with "the potential to be huge." Estimates are that the facility would cost about $20 million, bringing jobs as well as hundreds of thousands of dollars into the community.

An intermodal facility serves as a regional shipping center, where freight is transported by rail, road and air.

One source said the players in the development have been "sworn to secrecy" while negotiations are worked out, but that the deal is "solid."

Bismarck City Commissioner Connie Sprynczynatyk said she doesn't know if a facility is coming to Bismarck, but there has been talk about the issue for years. She said good transportation is essential to economic development.

"Personally, I have had an interest in what kind of transportation systems we have in place," she said.

An intermodal facility would likely involve major businesses like Bobcat Co., the railroad and airlines. Bobcat officials couldn't be reached for comment and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad Co. spokesman Gus Melonas said he was further looking into the issue of an intermodal facility coming to Bismarck.

In an April 4 Tribune article, Mike Vig, former vice president of operations for Bobcat, said an intermodal facility is key to transporting Bobcat products. Russ Staiger, president of the Bismarck-Mandan Development Association, told the Tribune in the same article that an intermodal facility is necessary for a company like Bobcat to grow or relocate to North Dakota.

North Dakota Department of Transportation Director Dave Sprynczynatyk said that in addition to Bismarck-Mandan, Minot and Fargo-West Fargo are looking at establishing intermodal facilities. If one comes to North Dakota, he said, it will be due to community initiative and state support.

"The bottom line is it seems the time is right for some type of intermodal facility to develop," he said.

The press conference will be at 10:30 Thursday at the Bismarck Public Works Building, 601 S. 10th St.