BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) _ Bipartisan legislation has been introduced that would direct 80 percent of the revenues from North Dakota's oil production tax back to the counties where the oil was produced.
House Democratic minority leader Kenton Onstad of Parshall calls the bill a ``catch up and plan initiative.'' He says the $2.4 billion earmark from the oil production tax over the next two years would allow North Dakota's 17 oil-producing counties to catch up on infrastructure improvements that are needed due to record oil production.
Governor Jack Dalrymple (DAHL'-rimp-ul)'s budget proposes $532 million be allocated to oil-producing counties over the next two years.
Onstad says funding for oil-producing counties in recent years hasn't come close to meeting the needs for such things as road building and repair, utilities, housing and schools.
