Heavy Fourth of July travel expected despite high gas prices

(Fargo, ND) -- Heavy Fourth of July travel is expected in North Dakota despite rising gas prices.

North Dakota Department of Commerce communications manager Kim Schmidt says a bump in prices at this time of year is disappointing. Triple A puts the nationwide average cost of gas at one-dollar-70 cents higher than this time last year.

Experts say tourism and travel are key industries for North Dakota's economy.