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Legislature allocates $2 million for North Dakota urban transit; Fargo to receive roughly $426,000 a year
Summary
Transit officials said the legislature approved $2 million in the biennium for urban transit providers (Minot, Fargo, Grand Forks, Bismarck). Fargo officials said the award will be about $426,000 per year and that a funded interim study should help make the case for a longer‑term funding source.
Transit leaders and city officials told Fargo’s legislative delegation that lawmakers approved $2 million for urban transit operating support for the four designated urban providers; Fargo’s share will be approximately $426,000 per year.
“Originally requested $15,000,000 for the four urbans; we were successful in getting $2,000,000 for the biennium,” Julie Baumel (transit) said, describing the allocation and a state allocation model that NDDOT agreed to use. She said Fargo was also awarded a study to inform longer‑term funding proposals for urban transit.
Officials noted a federal reclassification: Fargo moved to a larger urban designation in October, which changed federal allocation rules and reduced some federal operating support, forcing the city to cut routes. City staff said they had to consider fare and service adjustments and that they are studying consolidated or on‑demand services as part of long‑term planning.
City Administrator Mike Reuther and Commissioner John Strand said local operating costs have increased and that relying on federal capital grants alone does not cover recurring operating expenses. Reuther said local budget support has bridged gaps in the past; city leaders urged the legislative interim study to recommend a predictable, dedicated state source for urban transit operating funds.
No immediate new service expansions were announced. Officials said they will use the study findings and continued partnership with NDDOT to press for additional funding in the next biennium.
