North Dakota has committed $1.2 billion to address the impacts of oil and gas development in the western part of the state and help is on the way, Gov. Jack Dalrymple said Tuesday.
Dalrymple and other state officials offered an update on the state aid available to the 17 oil- and gas-producing counties during a news conference at the Capitol.
From July 1 to Oct. 31, $312 million was allocated to help with infrastructure, water and housing needs, leaving $885 million of spending to come in the next 20 months, Dalrymple said.This is quite extraordinary.
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Future plans are for Highway 85 to become an undivided four-lane highway between Watford City and Williston, a news release said. Remaining federal aid will be used for projects that include Highway 2 north of Williston and North Dakota highways 5, 22, 23, 40, 50 and 1804.
The Legislature also set aside $228.6 million for state highways affected by increased oil traffic. Projects include Highway 22 from Dickinson north to Highway 23, Highway 23 east and west of New Town, and Highway 8 north and south of Stanley.