Bismarck, N.D. (AP) North Dakota Republicans have unveiled an $800 million one-time spending plan to address immediate problems tied to the oil boom in the western part of the state. GOP leaders from the state's oil-producing region say the plan released Wednesday is the result of meetings between lawmakers and local officials. North Dakota's newfound oil riches have resulted in unprecedented demands for spending on roads, schools, public works, law enforcement and emergency medical services. Senate Majority Leader Rich Wardner says the spending plan will be a priority when the legislature meets in January. Democratic Senator Connie Triplett of Grand Forks says she believes most lawmakers in her party will back the plan because of the big needs in the oil patch. North Dakota Republicans wield supermajority control in the legislature.
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