Bill would let Air Force base schools use state low‑interest construction loans; committee hears concerns about funding and local match

Summary

A bill introduced to extend the state school construction low‑interest loan program to schools located on Air Force bases drew support at a House Education hearing, but lawmakers and witnesses discussed funding limits, local 20% matching obligations and the capacity of the School Construction Revolving Loan Fund.

Senator Don Shively told the House Education Committee the bill would allow schools on Air Force bases selected from a federal priority list to participate in North Dakota’s low‑interest school construction loan program on the same terms as other districts.

Under current law, the superintendent of public instruction prioritizes loan awards based on student occupancy, academic need, building age and other statutory criteria; the bill adds language to treat approved Air Force base projects as eligible for 2% low‑interest loans and sets an Air Force‑specific loan cap in statute.

Senator Shively said most construction for base schools is funded through federal programs with an approximate 80% federal match and a 20% local match; because bases do not levy property tax, the local share would be paid from in‑lieu‑of‑tax funds the bases receive. "The intent of this…

Bill would let Air Force base schools use state low‑interest construction loans; committee hears concerns about funding and local match

Summary

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