It could be the right time to push a natural gas pipeline, according to two District 20 lawmakers

Dec. 29—GRAND FORKS — With North Dakota in sound financial health, lawmakers might have opportunities in the coming session of the Legislature to provide substantial funding for impactful projects around the state.

One of those projects, according to state Rep. Mike Beltz, R-Hillsboro, is a proposed natural gas pipeline across North Dakota that could help fuel expansion in the state's eastern reaches.

"The state is currently in a very strong financial position. I believe we will do one-time investments in a variety of areas as we have done in the past when the budget allows," Beltz said in response to a questionnaire sent to lawmakers from the Grand Forks Herald.

Specifically, the Herald asked lawmakers from the region: "North Dakota appears to be in good financial standing. Do you believe that? And if so, how might the state's financial standing affect the coming session? If there is money to spend, do you have ideas (or predictions) on where it should be spent?"

That prompted Beltz's response about the possibilities of providing "one-time investments."

The 2023 session begins on Jan. 3, and when it does, lawmakers will find that "the state's financial position is strong and its reserves are full," according to an early December release from the office of Gov. Doug Burgum. Among those dollars, according to Burgum's office, are "$718 million in the Budget Stabilization Fund, a projected $1.1 billion unassigned in the Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund, over $1.4 billion in the general fund's ending balance by June 30 and an estimated $486 million in Legacy Fund earnings."

The Legacy Fund — the state savings account that draws its funds from oil production taxes — has grown to approximately $8 billion. Its principle is unavailable for use but its interest earnings tend to draw the attention of lawmakers.

District 20's three delegates are Beltz, Rep. Jared Hagert, R-Emerado, and Sen. Randy Lemm, R-Hillsboro.

Beltz, in response to the Herald's questionnaire, said historic infrastructure projects should be considered in the coming session.

"The two projects I would identify would be the natural gas pipeline, and the Red River Water Supply Project," he said. "The gas pipeline helps the West with a market and the Highway 2 to Interstate 29 corridor with innumerable opportunities that go with having natural gas. The biggest currently being the (Northern Plains Nitrogen) fertilizer plant being considered in Grand Forks. The water project ensures a reliable source for half the residents and businesses of North Dakota."

The gas pipeline has been discussed often in recent months, especially in the Red River Valley, where future business expansion and development likely will hinge on the availability of more natural gas. The Red River Water Supply Project is an effort to, according to the project's website, "provide an emergency water supply to central and eastern North Dakota during times of water scarcity so as to protect public health, ensure ongoing economic vitality, and provide for environmental benefits in the river systems."

In answering the same question, Hagert said the Legislature will "prioritize investments based on needs."

His preferences?

"Top of mind for me would be infrastructure (bridges, roads), education, mental health and building out our natural gas infrastructure," Hagert said.

Later in the questionnaire, Hagert again referenced the proposed natural gas line.

"I think Grand Forks' biggest concern is getting more natural gas to the community and surrounding area," he said.

Lemm said he expects an abundance of funding requests this session.

"We need to take care of our employees, township roads and bridges, Mayville State University and flooding issues on the Red River north of Grand Forks," he said.

The biggest legislative concerns for rural Grand Forks and the region, according to Lemm, are "roads and bridges and flooding issues. They need resources to resolve these issues."

District 20 generally encompasses an area west, northwest and south of Grand Forks, but not the city itself. Among the small communities within District 20 are Hillsboro, Larimore, Emerado.

To see the District 20 lawmakers' full answers to the Herald questionnaire, go the Herald's website and read "

Grand Forks Herald Q&A: A look at District 20 before the start of the North Dakota Legislature

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