ND HB1577

Creates a wastewater infrastructure grant program administered by the Department of Environmental Quality for cities, counties, townships, water resource districts, recreation service districts, and water districts to upgrade, replace, or construct wastewater systems

Grants are capped at 60% of total project costs, with each community limited to one grant per biennium; priority given to entities that lost federal funding or are ready to begin projects immediately

Authorizes the Department of Environmental Quality to borrow up to $9,700,000 through a Bank of North Dakota line of credit for the 2025-2027 biennium, with grants allocated as $7,800,000 and $1,900,000 to eligible entities

Requires a legislative management study during 2025-26 interim on establishing a permanent wastewater project fund, with findings reported to the 70th Legislative Assembly

Declared an emergency measure; passed House 74-16 and Senate 42-4