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.
Impact
The bill has significant implications for existing statutes concerning transportation funding and local government allocations. It establishes a flexible transportation fund delineating how funds can be appropriated for both state and local projects focused on road maintenance, construction, and infrastructure upgrades. These financial provisions are aimed particularly at non-oil-producing regions which often struggle with the financial means to support such essential projects. By focusing on infrastructure improvements, the bill seeks to enhance the overall transportation efficiency and connectivity within the state.
Summary
Senate Bill No. 2012 aims to appropriate funds for the Department of Transportation for the effective financial management and enhancement of the state's transportation infrastructure over the biennium from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027. This bill introduces the 'Legacy Earnings Fund,' reallocating various funding sources to support road and bridge projects, community infrastructure, and various transportation initiatives. It notably includes provisions for grants directed towards non-oil-producing counties and townships, improving their capability to manage and maintain road and bridge networks.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SB2012 appears to be largely favorable among legislative supporters who view it as critical for addressing longstanding infrastructure needs, especially in rural and less economically advantaged areas. There is recognition of the importance of maintaining and improving roads and bridges as a basis for economic development and public safety. However, there may be concerns regarding the adequate allocation of funds and whether all regions will equally benefit, especially amidst discussions on state versus local governance regarding transportation oversight and funding.
Contention
Notably, there are points of contention regarding the amount of funding and the criteria for grant distribution. Some critics might argue that larger, urban cities could potentially monopolize funding, leaving smaller municipalities with insufficient resources to uphold their infrastructures. The detailed mechanisms of how funds will be allocated and used remain paramount in determining the effectiveness of this bill in achieving its goals.
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.
An allocation from the legacy earnings fund and eligible projects under the housing incentive fund; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.
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.
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.
Allocations to townships from the township highway aid fund and an allocation of motor vehicle excise tax collections to the township highway aid fund and the county highway aid fund; and to provide an effective date.
Budget section approval limits for the flexible transportation fund; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide for retroactive application; and to provide an effective date.
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.
The state leave sharing program, capitol grounds rent collections, and the law enforcement retirement program; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide a report; to provide for a retroactive application; 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.
The electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle road use fee, the tax imposed on motor vehicle and special fuels, and the highway tax distribution fund; and to provide an effective date.
Oil and gas gross production tax allocations and the state share of oil and gas tax allocations; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide an exemption; and to provide an effective date.