ND lawmakers eyeing cold cash for snow

A bill designed to shovel money to local units of government being buried under bills for excessive snow removal this winter received a hearing before the North Dakota Senate Appropriations Committee on Wednesday.

As the legislation stands right now jurisdictions that exceed the five year average for snow removal costs by 200% between October and December would receive a 60% state reimbursement. It has been suggested that the threshold be lowered to 150% to allow more cities and counties to qualify.

Appropriations Chair Senator Ron Sorvaag says the goal is to move the bill out of committee quickly – but it still needs some work.

Grand Forks officials estimate the closed out 2022 at 175% of the five year average. Grand Forks snow costs can exceed $2 million dollars in any given calendar year when you factor in everything from wages and fuel to sand and salt.