A value-added agriculture facility incentive program; to provide for a transfer; to provide an expiration date; and to declare an emergency.
Impact
The legislation would affect how North Dakota supports agricultural businesses, providing structured financial support to entities that meet specific criteria, including significant capital investment and expected economic contributions. By targeting new construction projects on industrial-ready sites, this bill focuses on enabling substantial agricultural development. It emphasizes funding for improvements necessary for establishing or enhancing processing facilities which are key to the state's agricultural economy. Moreover, specific performance milestones, such as achieving a certain production capacity, are linked to the disbursement of grant funds.
Summary
House Bill 1332 aims to amend and reenact a section of the North Dakota Century Code, specifically concerning the value-added agriculture facility incentive program. The bill proposes the establishment of an agriculture diversification and development fund that will facilitate financial assistance in the form of loans and grants for new or expanding value-added agriculture businesses. This initiative is expected to enhance profitability for farmers and ranchers, create job opportunities, and contribute to the state's overall economic growth by incentivizing facilities that process agricultural products.
Sentiment
Discussion surrounding HB 1332 has revealed a generally positive sentiment from legislators who support agricultural growth and job creation through incentives. However, there may also be concerns regarding the effectiveness and equity of distributing state funds to large agricultural enterprises. Supporters view the bill as a necessary step for maintaining competitiveness in the agricultural sector, especially in light of offers from other Midwestern states. As such, the bill serves to cement North Dakota's role in the broader agricultural landscape.
Contention
While the bill appears to have strong support reflected in the voting history—76 votes in favor and only 17 against—debate may arise concerning the priorities for state economic development funding. Some lawmakers and advocacy groups may argue that the focus on large agricultural enterprises could detract from supporting diverse agricultural initiatives, small farmers, or alternative food systems. Thus, while primarily viewed as beneficial, HB 1332 also raises underlying questions about resource allocation and the broader implications for local agriculture.
The agriculture diversification and development fund; to provide an appropriation for the agriculture diversification and development fund; and to provide for a transfer.
The legacy investment for technology program, the North Dakota development fund, the workforce enhancement council, the administration of uncrewed aircraft system programs, workforce development grants to tribally controlled community colleges, and a North Dakota development fund grant program; to provide a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide for a report; 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.
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.
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 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.
The clean sustainable energy authority's fertilizer development incentive program; to provide for retroactive application; and to provide an effective date.
The agriculture diversification and development fund; to provide an appropriation for the agriculture diversification and development fund; and to provide for a transfer.