Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Agriculture topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee backs $3 million fair-grant program, sends bill to appropriations
Summary
The panel recommended a do pass on House Bill 1591, a $3 million fair-grant program that would provide up to $100,000 per grant (reimbursable, 50% cost-share), and referred the bill to appropriations for funding consideration.
House Bill 1591, a grant program for county fairs and related events, received committee approval and a referral to appropriations. Committee members described the bill as statewide in scope: it would create a $3 million maximum grant program with awards capped at $100,000 and a 50% cost-share requirement, with reimbursement after recipient expenditures.
Representative Volmer said the bill helps rural communities and youth-serving programs including 4-H and FFA. Representative Rios described the bill as important for rural North Dakotans, noting fairs provide a major seasonal outlet for families and youth. Representative Freiberg pulled the department testimony to confirm that awards would be a 50% cost share and reimbursable, limited to $100,000 per award.
After discussion the committee voted to do pass the bill as presented and referred HB1591 to the Appropriations Committee for funding review.
Why it matters: The program would provide statewide grants to county fairgrounds and events, with a focus on rural communities, youth programs and reimbursable capital or program expenses.
