North Dakota lawmakers approve amendments for wastewater project funding amid federal cuts

North Dakota's Senate Appropriations Committee has taken significant steps to address critical infrastructure needs following the cancellation of federal funding for three major wastewater projects. During a meeting on April 16, 2025, committee members discussed amendments to Senate Bill 1577, which aims to provide state-level financial support to ensure these essential projects continue moving forward.

The federal government recently withdrew funding for projects including a $1.9 million lagoon in Pheasanton, a $7.8 million wastewater treatment facility in Lincoln, and a $7.1 million raw water intake project in Washburn. In response, the committee, at the request of the governor, proposed a loan provision through the Bank of North Dakota. This would allow the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to issue loans to cover the costs of the stalled projects, with the possibility of repaying these loans if federal funding is reinstated in the future.

Senator Mathern raised concerns about the implications of this decision, questioning whether the state would ultimately bear the financial burden if federal funds do not return. The committee confirmed that the amendments are specifically tailored to these two projects, with the intention of preventing a precedent that could lead to broader state funding replacing federal support in the future.

The committee emphasized the urgency of these projects, stating that local avenues for funding have been exhausted. The proposed amendments are seen as a necessary measure to ensure that critical infrastructure does not fall further behind, with the expectation that these projects will be funded and completed in a timely manner.

As the committee moves forward, the focus remains on securing the necessary resources to maintain and improve North Dakota's infrastructure, highlighting the importance of adaptability in the face of changing federal support. The next steps will involve finalizing the amendments and monitoring the situation regarding potential federal funding reinstatement.