BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - Legislation is headed to Gov. Jack Dalrymple's desk that will fast-track $1.1 billion for highways and communities affected by North Dakota's exploding growth.
The Senate voted 46-0 on Monday to approve the "surge funding'' bill that is being rushed through the legislative process so projects can begin by summer. Most of the money is slated for the booming oil-producing region in the western part of the state.
Dalrymple is expected to sign the bill on Tuesday.
The legislation includes $450 million in funding for state highway projects. It includes $240 million for the 10 biggest oil-producing counties; $112 million for non-oil-producing counties; $100 million for cities in oil-producing counties; and $198 million for other cities outside the oil patch.