701-566-9300This past week the legislature held committee hearings on two bills relating to funding for rural roads and bridges. The Soybean Growers Association supports both bills and presented testimony in the two committee hearings.
Sen. Terry Wanzek sponsored Senate Bill 2142 which would create a township sustainability fund for road and bridge infrastructure located in non-oil-producing counties. Allocations are determined by factors such as township road mileage, the township’s general fund balance, and local tax levies. This bill would reallocate revenue from the motor vehicle excise tax, with 25% directed to the new sustainability fund and 75% to a flexible transportation fund. The hearing committee has not yet taken formal action on a recommendation to the full Senate and likely is considering possible amendments.
Sen. Paul Thomas sponsored Senate Bill 2151 which would provide for county and township bridge repairs, as well as tax relief. It establishes a county and township bridge fund to provide grants for the repair or replacement of county and township bridges. An appropriation of $80 million is designated for grants during the 2025–2027 biennium for counties with significant bridge repair needs, as determined by the North Dakota State University Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute’s report. The bill also modifies the allocation of earnings from the state’s legacy fund with $100 million allocated to this fund. Remaining funds are allocated toward tax relief initiatives. The Department of Transportation would be appropriated a $20 million fund for eligible counties, using a formula based on percentages and bridge repair and replacement needs. There has been no final action by the committee on any recommendation to the Senate. It is a big ask to the legislature, particularly with the looming legislative property tax relief.