A Good Neighbor -- Great Story -- September 28, 2017

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.