In a heated discussion during the SB 2012 Conference Committee meeting on April 29, 2025, North Dakota lawmakers grappled with the allocation of funds for roads and bridges, highlighting a significant divide between the House and Senate proposals. Central to the debate was the contentious issue of Prairie Dog funding, which some members argued should be included in the overall budget calculations for infrastructure projects.

Representative Bosch emphasized the importance of considering Prairie Dog funds, stating, "I don't know how you could say it doesn't exist." This sentiment was echoed by others who pointed out that while Prairie Dog funding is not explicitly in the budget, it represents potential revenue for local governments, particularly for roads and bridges.

The committee also discussed the differences in funding sources between the House and Senate versions of the bill. The House proposal includes $551 million from the State Infrastructure Fund (SIF) and $146 million from legacy fund earnings, while the Senate's approach relies more heavily on excise tax revenues. Representative Weiss noted that the House's allocation would ultimately impact other budgets, raising concerns about the sustainability of funding for various programs.

As the meeting progressed, members acknowledged the challenges of passing any tax increases this session, with Representative Bosch stating, "I just really feel we'll have a hard time passing any tax increase." This sentiment underscores the ongoing struggle to balance infrastructure needs with fiscal responsibility.

The committee's discussions revealed a complex landscape of funding priorities, with lawmakers striving to reach a compromise that addresses the pressing need for infrastructure improvements while navigating the political realities of budget constraints. As the session continues, the outcome of these negotiations will be crucial for the future of North Dakota's transportation infrastructure.