ND HB1446

Department of Commerce shall establish and administer a matching grant program during the 2011-13 biennium to assist qualified applicants with costs of the oil refinery permitting process for new refineries.

Applicants must complete a feasibility analysis, demonstrate necessary expertise, show minimum 20,000 barrels per day capacity, and secure one dollar of nonstate cash matching funds for each dollar of state funds received.

Maximum grant amount is $5,000,000 per applicant, with funds distributed on a reimbursement basis and applicant must begin permitting within six months of grant approval.

Appropriates $5,000,000 from the permanent oil tax trust fund to the Department of Commerce for the 2011-13 biennium, contingent on the department certifying that a grant recipient has qualified.

Appropriated funds are exempt from section 54-44.1-11 budget restrictions.