The North Dakota Senate Appropriations Committee convened on March 12, 2025, to discuss the Medora Transportation Grant included in House Bill 1018. The meeting highlighted a proposal aimed at enhancing transportation accessibility in the City of Medora, a popular tourist destination.

The Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation, along with local stakeholders, presented a plan to establish a transit system that would connect key attractions, including the future presidential library and the Burning Hills Amphitheater. The proposal requests approximately $1 million, primarily for the purchase of two themed trolley buses, which would accommodate around 30 passengers each. The buses are intended to provide free transportation to visitors, alleviating parking challenges in the city.

Committee members raised questions regarding the operational aspects of the proposed transit system. The foundation indicated that while they initially plan to offer the service for free to encourage usage, they may consider implementing a nominal fee in the future, similar to systems in other tourist towns like Deadwood, South Dakota.

Concerns were also voiced about the potential for overextending resources in Medora, given the numerous ongoing and planned projects in the area. The foundation reassured the committee that they have secured contractors and are prepared to move forward with several shovel-ready projects, which are expected to significantly invest in the community over the next 12 to 18 months.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore the transportation initiative, which aims to enhance visitor experience and support the growing tourism sector in Medora. The foundation expressed confidence in meeting operational timelines to have the trolley system in place by 2026, coinciding with anticipated increases in visitor numbers.