This bill amends and reenacts specific sections of the North Dakota Century Code concerning the allocation of oil and gas tax revenue to support infrastructure development in non-oil-producing counties. It establishes a municipal infrastructure fund and a county and township infrastructure fund, with the former designated for grants to cities in non-oil-producing counties for essential infrastructure projects, while the latter is aimed at providing grants for road and bridge projects in non-oil-producing counties and townships. The bill specifies that fifty percent of the funds will be allocated to each of these infrastructure funds, and outlines the criteria for grant distribution based on city and county populations, as well as the requirements for reporting and compliance.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions that impose penalties for cities and counties that fail to comply with reporting requirements or misuse grant funds. Specifically, cities that do not submit timely reports will be ineligible for future grants for two years, and any misuse of funds identified in audits will result in reduced future grants. Furthermore, if a city or county adopts policies that conflict with state regulations regarding agriculture or energy infrastructure projects, they will also lose eligibility for grants. The bill aims to ensure that funds are used appropriately and effectively for infrastructure development in non-oil-producing areas.

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