This speaks volumes about Dakota Access LLC and the small-mindedness of some politicians. First
the note that was posted earlier:
DAPL-gate: comes to an end. At The Bismarck Tribune, data points:
- no fine
- DAPL does not admit guilt
- DAPL will plant three trees for every alleged tree removed (industry standard is to plant two trees for every alleged tree)
- DAPL developer to provide manual on how to communicate better
Now, this story:
The Governor's office announced they will accept a $15 million donation from Dakota Access LLC.
The
money will go to the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services
(DES) to help deal with debt brought on as a result of the Dakota Access
Pipeline protests.
The donation was wired this afternoon to the
state-owned Bank of North Dakota and it will be used to pay off loans
taken out by DES.
According to a press release sent by the
Governor's officer, a bill passed by the state legislature in 2017
included language saying the Governor and DES could "accept
reimbursement in the form of land, cash, or other assets from from
nonstate sources for state cost incurred relating to unlawful activity
associated with the construction” of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
Another
bill passed in 2017, HB 1024, required that any reimbursements received
must be used to repay the Bank of North Dakota loans.
Currently
the state has borrowed $43 million from the Bank of North Dakota. $40
million for DES and $3 million for Morton County.
During a budget
interim committee meeting at the State Capitol Thursday, they voted to
accept a $10 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to
reimburse the state for law enforcement support costs.
More at the link.
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