Gov Burgum's "Accelerate ND" plan for ARPA - Sept 30

Governor Burgum held a press conference to lay out his plan for the $1.12 billion in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds the state’s ending fund balance after the 19-21 biennium. He referred to this initiative as “Accelerate ND”. He strongly believes we need to unlock these funding sources now as opposed to waiting because the funds diminish in value due to inflation. The governor’s proposal included many benefits for the business community.   
 
ARPA Recommendation

• $396m – Workforce and Economic Development.
  • Includes: workforce development initiatives, Polytechnic Center, Early childhood tuition waivers, child care grants, natural gas infrastructure, and additional funding for Clean Sustainable Energy Authority projects.
• $590m – Infrastructure and Capital Improvements.
  • Includes: NDDOT infrastructure projects, critical water infrastructure, state facility maintenance, Parks and Recreation capital projects, and broadband matching grants.
• $134m – Emergency response, health care, and citizen service.
  • Includes: unemployment insurance system modernization, public health lab renovation, and cybersecurity. 

Excess General Fund Balance Recommendation

• $207m – Individual Income Tax Credit. Up to $500 per return in 2021 and 2022.
• $100m – Economic development and research through existing programs.
• $100m – State pension fund. 

This is the Governor’s proposal and it is unclear if it will ever be in front of the legislature. The Governor stated that currently, he does not plan to call the legislature in, although he is open to further discussion. The legislature is planning a special session starting in early November to finalize redistricting but they only have 4 days left in reserve. We think this is probably not enough days to take up ARPA funds.  

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