Legislative proposal aims to tackle infrastructure
By Daniel Arens
An ambitious plan to address the financial and infrastructure challenges facing county, municipal and other local entities is being met with enthusiastic approval.
One of the most talked-about items on the docket for the 2019 legislative session is the so-called “Prairie Dog Bill”, officially House Bill 1066. The goal of this bill is to develop a formula by which oil tax revenue coming into the state can be made available for local infrastructure projects on a long-term basis.
When a hearing was held Jan. 15 to gather input on the proposal, it demonstrated both the need and the support for such a proposal. Supporters gathered in large numbers to explain why their particular infrastructure needs could be met with the help of these funds.
Representatives from Mercer County, as well as Hazen and Beulah cities, attended the Jan. 15 hearing, although none of them testified at the meeting, since their points were echoed by the other speakers.
