The North Dakota Legislature's Budget Section meeting on June 25, 2025, revealed significant advancements in the allocation of funds for transportation projects across the state. The Department of Transportation (DOT) outlined a structured approach to project selection, emphasizing economic development, safety, and infrastructure needs.

During the meeting, officials reported that 25% of the allocated funds for the current biennium would be directed to non-oil producing counties and townships, while the remaining funds would be utilized at the DOT's discretion. A total of 264 applications were received, requesting approximately $432 million, with $43 million set aside for distribution. The competitive selection process involved various stakeholders, including representatives from Indian Affairs, the Association of Counties, and the League of Cities, who helped score and rank the projects.

The DOT's director explained that the funding mechanism operates on a reimbursement basis, ensuring that local governments are compensated for actual project costs. This approach aims to maintain fiscal responsibility while supporting local infrastructure improvements. Notably, the department allocated 10% of the funds specifically for townships, recognizing that their applications often lacked the completeness of those submitted by counties.

In a proactive move, the DOT also set aside additional funds for preliminary engineering projects, ensuring future readiness for infrastructure needs. The meeting highlighted that 44 projects had been selected for funding, with three additional projects recently added to meet the legal requirement of allocating 25% to non-oil producing areas. These projects include bridge replacements and road improvements in various counties.

As of the meeting, approximately $88 million had been spent on these initiatives, with ongoing projects awaiting contractor bids. A final report detailing the distribution and status of the funded projects is expected to be submitted to the budget section in July.

This structured funding approach not only aims to enhance transportation infrastructure but also ensures equitable distribution of resources across the state, particularly benefiting non-oil producing regions. The DOT's commitment to transparency and accountability in the funding process is set to foster community development and improve safety on North Dakota's roads.