The legacy earnings fund; to provide a statement of legislative intent; to provide an appropriation; and to provide an expiration date.
Impact
If passed, HB1147 will significantly impact infrastructure funding and maintenance strategies at the county and township levels. By prioritizing allocations from the Legacy Earnings Fund, the bill is designed to ensure that funds are readily available for immediate and future bridge repairs, which are essential for maintaining safe transportation networks. The establishment of a formal County and Township Bridge Fund will streamline grant applications and improve the distribution of funds, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of local government projects aimed at infrastructure improvements.
Summary
House Bill 1147 seeks to establish a County and Township Bridge Fund in North Dakota. This bill amends existing legislation regarding the Legacy Earnings Fund, reallocating funds for the repair or replacement of county and township bridges. Specifically, it creates a new section within the North Dakota Century Code that outlines the funding priorities for bridge projects, emphasizing grants to eligible counties based on their identified needs. The legislation allows for the distribution of up to $100 million for the biennium starting July 1, 2023, aimed at addressing critical infrastructure needs in rural areas.
Contention
Discussions around HB1147 have raised some points of contention, particularly regarding the adequacy of funding and the distribution formula for grants. Critics may argue that while the funding appears substantial, it could still fall short of addressing the extensive infrastructure needs faced by many counties, especially those classified as having fewer resources. Additionally, there are concerns about ensuring equitable distribution among counties of varying sizes and needs, which emphasizes the necessity for a transparent allocation process. The bill's legislative intent statement highlights the importance of continued support for county and township bridge projects, indicating a long-term commitment to infrastructure improvement.
Legacy fund definitions and the legacy earnings fund; to provide a statement of legislative intent; to provide for a legislative management study, to provide an appropriation; to provide an effective date; to provide an expiration date; and to declare an emergency.
Legacy fund definitions, a legacy earnings fund, the legacy earnings highway distribution fund, and legacy earnings township highway aid fund; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide for application; to provide an effective date; and to provide an exemption.
Legacy fund definitions, the legacy earnings fund, and the primary residence credit; to provide an appropriation; to provide for a transfer; to provide an effective date; and to provide an expiration date.
Legacy fund definitions and the legacy earnings fund; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide an appropriation; to provide an exemption; to provide an effective date; to provide an expiration date; and to declare an emergency.
Determination of state school aid, information displayed on property tax statements, transfer of legacy fund earnings, and deposit of oil and gas tax revenues; and to provide an effective date.
The flexible transportation fund, motor vehicle excise tax allocations, an appropriation for township roadway funding, and the appropriation of bond proceeds for transportation projects; to provide an exemption; to provide a report; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.
Appropriations: department of natural resources; Michigan natural resources trust fund; provide appropriations for fiscal year 2023-2024. Creates appropriation act.
Legacy fund definitions, a legacy earnings fund, the legacy earnings highway distribution fund, and legacy earnings township highway aid fund; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide for application; to provide an effective date; and to provide an exemption.
State management: funds; revenue sharing trust fund; create. Amends title & sec. 2 of 2000 PA 489 (MCL 12.252) & adds secs. 11a and 11b. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4312'25