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North Dakota Legislature advances bill to back rural improvement projects, strikes another

Summary
Josh Wolsky
Josh Wolsky
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InForum
Peyton Haug

InForum

A long-term vision for rural North Dakota didn’t survive the legislative gauntlet — but lawmakers didn’t walk away from the issue entirely. Senate Bill 2097, a bold plan to create a $50 million endowment fund, was scrapped after House members balked at its scale and timing. In its place, a more modest option advanced: a one-time $5 million grant program under Senate Bill 2390. It’s a shorter stride than many hoped for, but still a step forward. Rural advocates say the need hasn’t gone away — and neither has their resolve. Peyton Haug with InForum has the full story.

SB 2097

A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new section to chapter 54-60 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the creation of a rural community endowment fund and a rural community endowment fund committee; to provide an appropriation for the rural community endowment fund; to provide an appropriation to the department of commerce; to provide for a transfer; and to provide for a report.

House Sponsors: Brandenburg (R, District 28),

Senate Sponsors: Mathern (D, District 11), Wanzek (R, District 29),

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SB 2390

A BILL for an Act to create and enact three new sections to chapter 54-40.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to a rural catalyst committee, grant program, and fund; to amend and reenact section 54-40.1-02 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to definitions for regional planning councils; and to provide for a transfer.

House Sponsors: Wanzek (R, District 29), Myrdal (R, District 19), Thomas (R, District 6),

Senate Sponsors: Wanzek (R, District 29), Myrdal (R, District 19), Thomas (R, District 6),

InForum
Peyton Haug

InForum

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Josh Wolsky

Josh Wolsky

Developer & Writer @TheMinot Voice, Fan of the Souris River, SavorMinot Advocate. Fortunate to be a 'former' City Council member ;)

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