A Bank of North Dakota line of credit and state water commission discretionary funding; to provide for a transfer; to provide for a report; to provide legislative intent; to provide an exemption; and to declare an emergency.
Impact
The bill establishes a framework for direct appropriations totaling over $862 million designated for enhancing water project funding and consolidating investment in rural water supply initiatives. It updates existing laws to incorporate these appropriations and aligns the funding with newly identified needs based on projected resource requirements. The role of the state water commission is underscored, with legislative intent to oversee and regulate the distribution of these funds, which reflects a commitment to enhancing water infrastructure throughout the state.
Summary
Senate Bill No. 2020 appropriates significant funding for state water resource projects, including operational expenses, grants, and enhancement of water infrastructure within North Dakota. It introduces a one-time funding appropriation to support various initiatives, specifically targeting water supply programs, flood control projects, and discretionary funding for the Department of Water Resources. Furthermore, the bill outlines the financial mechanisms, including a line of credit from the Bank of North Dakota, aimed at ensuring adequate resources are available for ongoing projects through June 30, 2025.
Sentiment
Overall, the sentiment surrounding SB2020 appeared to be largely positive within the legislative assembly, as evidenced by the strong approval vote of 88-4 in the House. Supporters touted the bill as necessary for improving North Dakota's water infrastructure, especially in the context of increasing demands and the need for modernization of existing systems. However, some dissenting voices raised concerns about the effective management of the appropriated funds and the potential for bureaucratic delays in project execution.
Contention
Despite its broad support, notable contention arose regarding the scale of funding allocated for certain projects, particularly in flood control and drought response initiatives. There were discussions about governance and oversight mechanisms, ensuring that the funds would be utilized effectively and transparently. Some stakeholders argued for more stringent checks on expenditure, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing projects that directly benefit residents and meet urgent water supply needs.
State agency employment of attorneys, the powers and duties of the water topics overview committee, and a Bank of North Dakota line of credit; to provide legislative intent; to provide for a report; to provide for a study; to provide a continuing appropriation; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; and to declare an emergency.
A transfer of Bank of North Dakota profits to a water infrastructure revolving loan fund; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide a report; to provide a penalty; to provide for application; to provide a retroactive effective date; to provide a contingent effective date; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.
AN ACT to provide an appropriation for defraying the expenses of the office of the adjutant general; to provide an exemption; to provide a statement of legislative intent; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a transfer; and to declare an emergency.
Fuel production facility loan guarantee reserve funding, the housing incentive fund, the powers of the North Dakota pipeline authority, definitions for the clean sustainable energy authority, a clean sustainable energy authority line of credit, and an appropriation from the state fiscal recovery fund; to provide a contingent appropriation; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide for a study; to provide for a report; to provide a statement of legislative intent; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.
County achievement days; to provide for a transfer; to authorize a line of credit; to provide an exemption; to provide for a report; and to declare an emergency.
Matching grants for legal education and the workforce education advisory council; to provide for a transfer; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide loan authorization for the Mayville state university old main project; to provide for a report; to provide an exemption; to provide legislative intent; and to declare an emergency.
A transfer from the strategic investment and improvements fund to the clean sustainable energy fund; to provide a deficiency appropriation; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide for a report; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.
The autism voucher; to provide a statement of legislative intent; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a report; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.