Watford City grapples with potential GPT shift as House Bill 1576 looms
M.K. French
Farmer Staff Writer
A sense of unease hangs in the air around Watford City these days, and it’s not just the winter chill. House Bill 1576 is generating significant buzz, raising concerns about the future of Gas Production Tax (GPT) revenue distribution and its potential impact on McKenzie County. At a recent Watford City City Council meeting, Community & Business Development Director Vawnita Best spoke on the matter, as did Daniel Stenberg, Economic Development Director for McKenzie County, at the state legislature session last week. Both underscoring the importance of the issue.
The GPT, a critical funding source fueled by the region’s energy sector, generates millions of dollars monthly. How these funds are allocated among McKenzie County’s communities is a perennial topic of debate, with implications for everything from road maintenance to public services. The latest figures, as detailed in the Community Development Department’s monthly recap, highlight the sheer scale of these revenues.
HB 1576 proposes changes to this distribution model. The bill’s complex formula, based on factors like population and debt, could significantly alter how funds are divided. Smaller communities, such as Arnegard and Alexander, stand to be particularly affected, with the potential for either a boost or a reduction in their share of the pie. Watford City, the county seat, has a vested interest in the outcome.
This isn’t simply a matter of balancing budgets. It’s about ensuring fairness and equitable access to resources for all communities within McKenzie County. It’s about the long-term health and vitality of the region. As the legislative session progresses, residents are watching HB 1576 closely, anxious to understand its full implications.
To find out more about HB 1576, residents can check out the following sources:
North Dakota Legislative Website: The official source for information on all North Dakota legislation. You can find the full text of the bill, its status, and any amendments at https://ndlegis.gov. There are also online Bill-tracking services, such as LegiScan and FastDemocracy, which offer tools to track the progress of bills and receive updates.
Visit www.watfordcitynd.com and subscribe to the McKenzie County Farmer today!