Bill > SB2390

This bill creates a new rural catalyst committee and grant program to support economic development and quality of life improvements in rural North Dakota communities. The bill first updates definitions for regional planning councils, adding terms like "commissioner" and "department" while removing references to minority groups. It establishes a rural catalyst committee composed of representatives from regional councils, at-large community members, a legislative assembly member, the governor, and the commerce commissioner. The committee will meet at least twice a year to review and approve grants, with a focus on rural prosperity projects. Grant recipients must provide matching funds (either cash or in-kind) on a dollar-for-dollar basis. The grants can support projects in areas like community development, education, health, and preserving rural grocery stores, with a maximum award of $500,000 and at least half of funds allocated to communities under 1,500 people. The bill also creates a rural catalyst fund in the state treasury, with an initial transfer of $2,500,000 from the strategic investment and improvements fund for the 2025-2027 biennium. The department of commerce will administer the program and must provide a biennial report on project outcomes and maintain a public project database.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs, Military Affairs and Security

https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/bill-overview/bo2390.html