5/20/05-Gov. John Hoeven has approved a state transportation budget that includes a fuel tax increase and provisions to pay for roadwork. It takes effect July 1.
The new law, previously SB2012, raises the state’s tax on diesel and gasoline from 21 cents to 23 cents a gallon. It also includes a provision to increase motor vehicle registration rates by $10.
Registration fee amounts depend on a vehicle’s age and weight.
The plan is part of the North Dakota Transportation Department’s budget bill. It includes $953.6 million in total spending.
The tax and fee increases are expected to raise $28.6 million for construction and repairs of state highways during the next two years, and almost $9 million for cities and counties.
It also limits use of grant-anticipated revenue vehicle bonds – commonly known as GARVEE bonds – to pay for roadwork.
The special class of bonds may be used only to finance the replacement of a bridge across the Missouri River at Bismarck, and for continued four-lane construction on U.S. 2.
The funding program allows the state to borrow money against the federal transportation dollars that come each year to pay for construction. The bond issues are based on the assumption that federal funding in future years would pay them off. This allows the state to get money needed for the project up front.

5/9/05-Lawmakers have approved a budget plan to pay for roadwork. It now moves to Gov. John Hoeven for approval.
SB2012 would raise the state’s tax on diesel and gasoline from 21 cents to 23 cents a gallon. It also includes a provision to increase motor vehicle registration rates by $10.
Registration fee amounts depend on a vehicle’s age and weight.
The plan is part of the state Transportation Department’s budget bill. It includes $953.6 million in total spending.
The tax and fee increases are expected to raise $28.6 million for construction and repairs of state highways over the next two years, and almost $9 million for cities and counties.
It also limits use of grant-anticipated revenue vehicle bonds – commonly known as GARVEE bonds – to pay for roadwork.
The special class of bonds may be used only to finance the replacement of a bridge across the Missouri River at Bismarck, and for continued four-lane construction on U.S. 2.
House lawmakers voted 66-27 to approve the bill about two hours after senators voted 31-14 in favor of the bill.
If signed by the governor, the proposals would take effect July 1.
For bill status, call (701) 328-2916. In North Dakota, call 1-888-635-3437.

4/20/05-Lawmakers in North Dakota are struggling to reach an agreement on whether the state’s fuel tax should be increased to pay for roadwork.
They want to raise enough state money to get the maximum share of federal highway aid.
The three House negotiators favor a higher fuel tax. They have proposed hiking it up to 4 cents a gallon. North Dakota’s tax on diesel and gasoline is now 21 cents a gallon.
Senate negotiators, however, don’t like the sound of boosting the tax.
The budget bill – SB2012 – also includes a provision to increase motor vehicle registration rates by $10. It would generate about $15 million over two years.
Registration fee amounts depend on a vehicle’s age and weight.
Negotiators continue to discuss the budget as the Legislature prepares to wrap up work by month’s end.
For bill status, call (701) 328-2916. In North Dakota, call 1-888-635-3437.