The North Dakota Senate adopted the conference committee report on House Bill 1020, the state water resources appropriation, approving a mix of project funding changes, a larger line‑of‑credit approach to carryover financing, and several municipal and regional allocations.

Senator Sorbonne, the conference chair, said the chamber reconciled House and Senate differences by moving closer to the House on several funding items while keeping limits and oversight. Notable allocations in the conference text include maintaining the $101 million appropriation for the Southwest pipeline project (with $66 million for a new water treatment plant), increasing municipal grants from $35 million to $40 million, boosting rural funds from $55 million to $70 million, and increasing Red River water supply funding from $50 million to $205 million. The conference also restored a $17 million stormwater appropriation for Bismarck to match federal matching requirements.

The committee shifted more toward lines of credit and carryover authority to increase the state's ability to commit to multiple projects; the package authorizes using a $200 million line of credit against carryover to increase near‑term spending capacity while still leaving legislative review and oversight in place.

Why it matters: The conference changes move material dollars toward both municipal and regional water projects and attempt to manage carryover funds and liquidity so the state can undertake multiple large projects without immediate permanent appropriation changes. Supporters argued it balances fiscal caution with urgent regional needs; conferees added reporting and interim study language to improve oversight.

Procedural outcome

The Senate adopted the conference committee report and passed the bill on final reading; the floor recorded a final tally of 45 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent, and the emergency clause carried.