This bill amends sections of the North Dakota Century Code related to the allocation of oil and gas tax revenue for infrastructure development in non-oil-producing counties. It establishes a municipal infrastructure fund and a county and township infrastructure fund, with specific provisions for grant distributions to cities and counties. The bill specifies that the municipal infrastructure fund will receive fifty percent of the designated funds for infrastructure development, while the county and township infrastructure fund will receive the other fifty percent. Additionally, it outlines the criteria for grant eligibility, including the requirement for cities and counties to report on the use of funds and the consequences for failing to comply with reporting requirements or misusing funds.

The bill introduces new provisions that impose restrictions on cities and counties that adopt ordinances conflicting with state statutes related to agriculture or energy infrastructure projects, making them ineligible for future grants. It also details the distribution process for grants, including specific amounts based on population size and infrastructure needs, and establishes a reporting mechanism for suspected violations of the new regulations. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the accountability and effectiveness of infrastructure funding in non-oil-producing areas of North Dakota.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 57-51.1-07.7, 57-51.1-07.8
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Senator Patten: 57-51.1-07.5, 57-51.1-07.7, 57-51.1-07.8
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 57-51.1-07.5, 57-51.1-07.7, 57-51.1-07.8