“Operation Prairie Dog” will start in the House.
That’s the bill to provide a new revenue source for local infrastructure projects across the state. It will create a new “bucket” for oil tax money.
It was the brainchild of a number of Republican legislators, led by Senate Majority Leader Rich Wardner (R-Dickinson). But Wardner said the House will get the first look at the proposal.
"I know there's probably more people that have concerns about it over in the House," Wardner said. "They're probably going to be using the first half to work on it."
Rep. Mike Nathe (R-Bismarck) and Rep. Todd Porter (R-Mandan) will be shepherding the measure in the House. Nathe is the lead sponsor.
"We're hoping that when it comes to the Senate, it's in the form we want," Wardner said. "Then we get it to the Governor's desk quickly."
