The state’s Emergency Commission has okayed another $4 million in borrowing authority from the Bank of North Dakota – for law enforcement costs due to the Dakota Access Pipeline protests.
The Commission had earlier approved $6 million.
"This will probably take us to the end of November," said Gov. Jack Dalrymple, the chairman of the Commission. "Then we'll see where we are."
National Guard Adjutant General Alan Dohrmann is also the head of the Emergency Management Agency. He said the biggest costs were incurred when law enforcement evicted protestors from land owned by Energy Transfer Partners, the company building the pipeline.
"The costs are coming down," Dohrmann told the Commission. "The force that was needed to clear the land is no longer needed to sustain operations. We're starting to bring things down."
Dalrymple said the funds have to be paid back to the Bank. He said he's been talking with the Office of Management and Budget on finding ways to pay that back.
"We'll be looking at options such as the Disaster Relief Fund, and the Strategic Improvements Fund, as sources to cover the deficiency," Dalrymple said. "We'll do that rather than take it from the precious general fund dollars that are needed to fund our ongoing state budget."
House Majority Leader Al Carlson (R-Fargo) said the federal government needs to pay part of the bill.
"I can't tell you how disappointed I am at the lack of support from the Obama Administration, on an issue that is clearly a federal issue," Carlson said. "We're going to be in a tight budget situation. I'll keep approving money for the safety of all those people living down there. But this is 110% wrong."
Dalrymple said he will continue to push the federal government tol help pay for law enforcement. And he said he will likely ask the company – and the Standing Rock Tribe – to chip in.
"I think they feel this has impacted an area of North Dakota," Dalrymple said. "They have expressed a willingness to help with any added costs they might have caused."
Commission members also praised law enforcement for their professionalism and restraint/
"They have shown respect, self control and patience," said Sen. Majority Leader Rich Warner (R-Dickinson). "They have put themselves in danger."
