North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

North Dakota House Bill HB1577

Introduced
1/20/25  
Refer
1/20/25  
Report Pass
2/3/25  
Refer
2/4/25  
Report Pass
2/21/25  
Engrossed
2/25/25  
Refer
3/7/25  
Report Pass
4/3/25  
Refer
4/3/25  
Report Pass
4/16/25  
Enrolled
5/1/25  

Caption

A wastewater infrastructure grant program and the duties of the department of environmental quality; to authorize a Bank of North Dakota line of credit; to provide an appropriation; to provide for a legislative management study; and to declare an emergency.

Impact

The passage of HB 1577 could significantly enhance wastewater management across various jurisdictions in North Dakota. By providing up to 60% of project costs for eligible entities, the bill encourages local governments to initiate important infrastructure projects without the burden of full financial responsibility. This financial support is crucial, especially for communities that have seen reductions in federal assistance, allowing them to maintain compliance with current regulations and improve their wastewater treatment capabilities.

Summary

House Bill 1577 establishes a wastewater infrastructure grant program in North Dakota aimed at assisting entities like cities and counties in upgrading or constructing essential wastewater systems. The bill prioritizes grants for those entities facing reductions in federal funding for wastewater projects, addressing both immediate infrastructure needs and long-term sustainability. Additionally, it creates a legislative study to explore the feasibility of a dedicated wastewater project fund and authorizes a line of credit from the Bank of North Dakota to support grant funding during the relevant biennium.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1577 appears largely supportive among legislators who recognize the value of investing in wastewater infrastructure for public health and environmental safety. However, discussions may also reflect concerns over funding sustainability and the potential administrative burdens related to managing the program. Overall, the general atmosphere is optimistic about enhancing local infrastructure with state support, although some caution might be expressed regarding the appropriateness and management of the funding processes.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 1577 include concerns about the limits placed on funding and grant awards, specifically that no community can receive more than one grant per biennium. This provision may generate disagreements about equitable distribution of funds across communities with varying needs. Additionally, the bill's reliance on a line of credit raises questions about future financial implications and whether it will adequately cover the scope of projected infrastructure projects. These factors could lead to debates during implementation, especially if demand for grants exceeds the allocated budget.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ND SB2020

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.

ND SB2015

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.

ND HB1242

A line of credit authorized for the statewide interoperable radio network project; to provide an appropriation; to provide for a transfer; to provide for a legislative management study; and to declare an emergency.

ND SB2012

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.

ND HB1199

AN ACT to provide an appropriation to the department of career and technical education for the statewide area and career center initiative grant program; to authorize a Bank of North Dakota line of credit; to provide an exemption; to provide for a transfer; and to declare an emergency.

ND HB1014

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.

ND HB1018

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.

ND HB1003

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.

ND SB2004

The powers and duties of the state auditor and the salary of the state auditor; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a legislative management report; and to declare an emergency.

ND HB1012

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.

Similar Bills

NM HB42

Public Project Revolving Fund Projects

NJ S1534

Requires BPU to adopt regulations allowing wastewater utilities to impose wastewater system improvement charge.

NJ S2858

Requires BPU to adopt regulations allowing wastewater utilities to impose wastewater system improvement charge.

NJ A1297

Directs BPU to establish two-year innovative drinking water supply and wastewater infrastructure grant program.

NJ A2760

Directs BPU to establish two-year innovative drinking water supply and wastewater infrastructure grant program.

HI HCR12

Urging The United States Environmental Protection Agency To Provide Federal Assistance For The City And County Of Honolulu's Wastewater Treatment Infrastructure Improvements.

HI HR12

Urging The United States Environmental Protection Agency To Provide Federal Assistance For The City And County Of Honolulu's Wastewater Treatment Infrastructure Improvements.

HI SB3362

Relating To Wastewater Treatment Facilities.