No gas tax increases in DOT budget bill

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) - Lawmakers have decided not to increase the gas tax as part of a compromise in the NDDOT budget bill.

As part of the deal, all bonding opportunities have been removed and will come straight from the state’s strategic investment and improvement fund.

It also ensures funding for the construction of Highway 85 to expand the road south of the Long X Bridge in McKenzie County.

Lawmakers also provided text in the bill to deal with some of the funding mechanisms to offset the loss of money through an increase in the gas tax.

The bill still faces a challenge as it needs to pass both floors.