oilwellsBISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – North Dakota’s oil wealth-fueled general fund surplus continues to grow.
 
     State Budget Director Pam Sharp says officials estimate the surplus will be at $457 million when the two-year budget cycle ends on June 30, 2015. The Bismarck Tribune reports that is a substantial increase from the $87 million projection when the Legislature adjourned last May.
 
     The current biennium began last July 1. So far, the state has collected just under $2 billion in general fund revenues. That is more than 6 percent ahead of projections in May 2013.
 
     The final revenue forecast for the 2015-17 budget cycle will come in November, with the governor’s budget address to follow in December during the organizational session for the 2015 Legislature.