Senate budget committee reallocates $15M for tourism grants and cultural projects

The SB 2018 Conference Committee meeting held on April 29, 2025, focused on budget allocations and adjustments for various programs in North Dakota. The committee reviewed funding proposals and made several key decisions regarding tourism, grants, and historical preservation.

The meeting began with a discussion on tourism marketing, where a budget of $5 million was allocated for the "Find the Good Life" campaign. Additionally, $15 million was designated for tourism destination development grants. The operational budget remained unchanged, as did the funding for the Global Talent Office.

Significant reductions were noted in other areas, including a $1 million cut from the U.S. test site budget and a $15 million decrease from the UAS Bantas program. However, $10 million was still allocated for drone initiatives, with an additional $5 million for enhanced use of Grama Sky.

The committee also addressed various grant programs. Base enhancement grants were set at $1 million, while bridal grants received $750,000. A new Native American small business grant was introduced, funded from $2.1 million of discretionary money in commerce, differing from the House's proposal of $600,000 from the Strategic Investment Fund (SIF).

In terms of historical preservation, the committee agreed to transfer three items from the historical society budget to the commerce budget. This included $500,000 for the Fargo Theater, $250,000 for the Ellendale Opera House, and another $250,000 for the historic theater in Marmoth. The funding for the trolleys in Medora remained unchanged.

Other budget items included a $5 million allocation for the regional RWIP program and $2 million for technical skills grants. However, funding for science centers in Fargo and Grand Forks was removed, as was library funding, which the committee suggested might be better addressed in a separate proposal.

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the unchanged $10 million allocation for lift programs, ensuring continued support for these initiatives. Overall, the committee's decisions reflect a strategic approach to budget management, balancing reductions with targeted funding for key areas.