Update:  Bismarck  Prairie Public Radio reports, the ND  Senate on Weds passed the budget bill for the state’s Commerce Department without a proposed expenditure for a state-backed theme and amusement park, planned for Jamestown. (Buffalo City Park).

It would have been built on state owned land next to the National Buffalo Museum. $5 million was added for “seed money,” and the project would ask for $60 million in Legacy Fund Loan money.

A legislative conference committee of three House members and three senators scrapped the provision Wednesday

SB 2018 passed 44 to 3. The House will now take a look at the amended bill.

Supporters of the facility envisioned bison-related attractions, a museum and kid-friendly activities. Backers believed it would provide and economic boost to a region with little else to offer. The proposal was quietly put into the state Commerce Department’s budget in the waning weeks of the legislative session.

 

Previously

Bismarck  (Prairie Public Radio) –  Prairie Public Radio (Audio on CSi Cable 77)  reports, that the  North Dakota State Senate has rejected the conference committee report on the Commerce Department budget.

One of the areas lawmakers objected to was a $5 million one-time grant towards the development of an amusement park in Jamestown  (Buffalo City Park).  The $5 million would have to be matched, and the developer could then approach the state Investment Board for further money, through loans or grants.

Grand Forks Republican Senator Ray Holmberg told the senate he’s concerned about the precedent this sets, after the Legislature approved a bill setting up the Legacy Infrastructure Loan Fund, to invest in North Dakota.

Supporters of the facility envisioned bison-related attractions, a museum and kid-friendly activities. Backers believed it would provide and economic boost to a region with little else to offer. The proposal was quietly put into the state Commerce Department’s budget in the waning weeks of the legislative session.