North Dakota’s energy boom enabled many capital projects, yet the state could still face a $2,5 billion shortfall in transportation funding needed to improve road and bridge conditions, enhance safety and accommodate projected growth over the next five years.
Those are key findings of a new report from TRIP, a national nonprofit transportation research group based in Washington, D.C.
North Dakota faces a significant shortfall in funding for needed transportation projects according to The TRIP report, “Modernizing North Dakota’s Transportation System: Progress & Challenges in Providing Safe, Efficient and Well-Maintained Roads, Highways & Bridges.”
Energy-related revenue in North Dakota used for transportation increased from $216 million in 2012 to $619 million in 2017 before dropping to $194 million in 2018, the organization says.
The state faces a $2.5 billion shortfall from 2018 to 2023 in transportation funding needed to improve road, highway and bridge conditions, support economic development opportunities and improve roadway safety.
The findings were detailed at two separate news conferences held October 9 in Fargo and Bismarck, North Dakota. In addition to a TRIP representative, speakers were to include representatives of the Greater North Dakota Chamber, North Dakota Motor Carriers Association, North Dakota Soybean Growers Association and the North Dakota Association of Counties.
The report also details projects throughout the state that will be underway or completed by 2021 as a result of increased funding, and it identifies needed projects across North Dakota that lack sufficient funding to proceed.
