Operation Prairie Dog Delivers Long-Term Infrastructure Funding Statewide

Certainty. One word that was emphasized repeatedly during the hearing on House Bill 1066 the infrastructure funding bill nicknamed “Operation Prairie Dog”. County and city folks from across the state filled the largest hearing room in the Capitol to lend their support on the bill. The line-up of those testifying in support was made up of county commissioners, a county engineer, city mayors, airport managers, along with agriculture and business groups.  Each supporter stressed the importance of a funding source that is certain, allowing cities, county and townships to plan projects into the future.  

“Every community in this state will benefit from this landmark transformative legislation,” said Representative Mike Nathe. “There are billions of dollars in infrastructure needs that need to be addressed now. This bill provides a solid, consistent revenue source that our political subdivisions can depend on.”

Nathe, who is the prime sponsor of the bill pointed out to the House Finance and Tax committee that this funding is for essential infrastructure only, which is defined in the bill as being: water treatment plants; wastewater treatment plants; sewer lines and water lines, including lift stations and pumping systems; water storage systems, including dams, water tanks, and water towers; storm water infrastructure, including curb and gutter construction; road and bridge infrastructure, including paved and unpaved roads and bridges; airport infrastructure; electricity transmission infrastructure; natural gas transmission infrastructure; and communications infrastructure.

Cities predict their needs for the largest cities at $4 billion in the next ten years. According to a recent Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute study, counties have about $8 billion in infrastructure needs over 20 years.

“The key component of this bill is the ongoing certainty. This allows our cities, counties and townships to plan out into the future the key projects they need. It also allows them to save their allocation so they can tackle a large project when they have the sufficient funds,” said Representative Todd Porter. “Most importantly there is no expiration date. This is a futuristic looking piece of legislation that gives the political subs the ability to plan. We have to be proactive and trust in them.”

Dunn County Commissioner Reinhard Hauck began his testimony by thanking legislators for the one-time funding that has been allocated in the recent past. “County commissioners are extremely grateful. The one-time funding for local roads have been significant in addressing the enormous unmet need for local road improvement.  This bill today will improve upon these efforts by bringing a degree of certainty to future funding – allowing counties to more effectively plan and program improvements for greater efficiency and cost-effectiveness.”

According to a recent UGPTI study, counties would need to make a $440 million investment annually to meet their road needs. While this isn’t a necessarily a bill to reduce property taxes, lawmakers say it will decrease special assessments and over time impact the burden on property taxes.  

“This proposal allows local boards to determine what their individual needs are, the project, the timeline, and implementation methods that works best in their communities with consideration for the other revenue sources available to them,” said Grand Forks Engineer Nick West. “What one County needs are, is different than another County.”

During the two hours of testimony, supporters drew committee member’s attention to the fact that in addition to the certain, long-term funding, another key highlight is that the funds are spread across the state in rural and urban areas, based on formulas.

No one testified in opposition to the bill.