Legislative Agenda Review: Part 2 Infrastructure

GNDC’s 2019 Legislative Agenda focused on three areas: business climate, workforce and infrastructure. These priorities were determined by GNDC members and policy committees and served to guide our work during legislative session. This Legislative Agenda Review is part two of a three-part series to examine the work done within each targeted area.
Part 1: Business Climate

Part 2: INFRASTRUCTURE

Smart policies for infrastructure development that supports business growth in North Dakota is paramount to the success of business in the state. 228,458 jobs are dependent upon ND’s transportation infrastructure network. $106 billion in goods are shipped annually, mostly by truck, within North Dakota. GNDC’s Policy Agenda supported this stance and our actions during the 2019 Legislative Session demonstrated our commitment to infrastructure investments that accomplish this key policy objective.
 
HB 1066 - Operation Prairie Dog: continued to address needs in oil producing counties in western North Dakota by removing the sunset on Hub City funding but additionally provided $250 million for non-oil producing counties and cities. The key component of this bill created two $115 million buckets within the Gross Production Tax (GPT) on oil – for non-oil producing cities and counties and a $20 million bucket for airports across the state. The funding for the non-oil producing counties and cities, will be likely be available in 2021 to start work on critical water and transportation infrastructure projects. 
 
HB 1012 – ND DOT: GNDC advocated within the DOT budget to ensure adequate funding for the state highway and interstate systems. Additional funds were needed above and beyond what will be received in state gas taxes to leverage the federal required state match.

Despite GNDC’s success advocating for infrastructure investment, cities, counties and the state highway system still lack long-term funding solutions critical to a strong business climate. GNDC will continue to facilitate discussions about how to pay for our infrastructure. We invite you to the 2019 GNDC Policy Summit, we will examine whether the gas tax should be raised. 

Photo credit to Bismarck Tribune