Road Bill Passes | Video

Jennifer Joas | 2/4/2013

The first appropriations bill has made it through the legislature. The Governor signed a bill to send $620 million to the Department of Transportation for emergency highway projects in western North Dakota.

One of the major projects will be widening Highway 85 between Williston and Watford City to four lanes.

The bill was fast tracked so the DOT could seek bids this month and start road construction in late spring.

"At some point in time we`ll be able to stand before you and say that we have in fact won the battle and we are gaining ground on the infrastructure needs for western North Dakota. We`re not there yet. But this is a big step forward and a big help," said Representative Al Carlson (R) from Fargo.

The bill also appropriates a million dollars for road projects in non-oil producing counties.

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