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Abstract
Investments in local roads in North Dakota to support agricultural logistics are estimated with a
detailed model that predicts flows from 1,406 crop-producing zones to 317 elevators and plants,
and forecasts improvements and maintenance costs for paved and unpaved roads. The study finds
that (1) the average farm-to-market trip distance has increased from 12 miles in 1980 to 26 miles in
2009, (2) the estimated resurfacing cost per mile for agricultural distribution routes is 40% greater
than for non-agricultural routes, and (3) the estimated cost to maintain acceptable service levels on
county and local roads is roughly double historical funding levels.