The North Dakota Senate Appropriations Committee met on March 28, 2025, to discuss the state's Infrastructure Revolving Loan Fund and its application process for funding community projects. The meeting highlighted the streamlined approach established in 2021, which allows communities to submit a single application to access various funding sources.

Kelvin, a representative from the Bank of North Dakota, explained that the fund was designed to assist smaller communities by providing loans without the need for them to pursue bonding. The maximum loan amount available is $20 million, with the average loan being around $6 to $8 million. This funding has been particularly beneficial for smaller communities that may struggle to secure financing for essential projects.

The committee also addressed how project priorities are determined. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and funding decisions are made based on the availability of financing rather than a strict prioritization system. While some projects, such as jails, have been funded in the past, there is no formal ranking system in place. If funding levels were to become constrained, the committee would then need to evaluate and prioritize projects more rigorously.

Overall, the meeting underscored the importance of the Infrastructure Revolving Loan Fund in supporting community development across North Dakota, particularly for smaller municipalities that rely on state assistance for critical infrastructure projects.