Group OKs $2M for Housing in Oil Patch

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The North Dakota Emergency Commission has approved more than $2 million for housing and salaries for state employees living and working in the oil patch.

The Bismarck Tribune reports the money comes from a funding pool approved by lawmakers this year and overseen by the Office of Management and Budget.

The Department of Transportation will receive the largest portion of the funding approved Tuesday, at almost $993,000. The Department of Human Services will get about $839,000. The remainder will be divided among seven other state agencies.

The Emergency Commission is made up of the governor, secretary of state, House and Senate majority leaders and budget committee chairmen.