Legislators Rosendale and Halvorson Visit Sidney

Local legislators Matt Rosendale and David Halvorson provided updates to the public March 1st, during the Town Hall meeting hosted by the Sidney Area Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture. They gave a look into what bills are being discussed and what they feel the outcomes will be with them.

Sen. Matt Rosendale, SD19, emphasized his push for infrastructure funding with the understanding that many cities and towns need updates. Representing Dawson and Wibaux Counties, Rosendale can see the struggles in the area as he stated, “I recognize we have a huge issue with housing in this area.” He is addressing the permit process, whether it is a building permit or land use permit, which currently takes a long time. He is trying to streamline the process for permits so less time is lost, considering that those permits are necessary to continue expansion. Also mentioned was increase of pension, need for more highway patrol, and looking at a bypass around Sidney and Culbertson.

Representative David Halvorson, HD37, focused on two main points concerning funding. First he spoke on the reassignment of oil and gas tax revenue allowing the cities and town within oil country to address their concerns. His other main point was the issue of school funding, suggesting that the sudden increase of students should allow retention of revenue.

Sidney Mayor Bret Smelser spoke following the legislators to inform them of the issues and concerns of the city. Smelser emphasized that although getting grant monies will fix the infrastructure, it will not supply enough consistent funds to pay workers. He stated that we need to improve the infrastructure in order to “support the next generation and keep the industry going.”

Along those same lines, County Commissioner Shane Gorder informed those in attendance of the current issues concerning the county roads. With the county includes 1280 miles of gravel county roads, of which many are used for oil and truck traffic causing them to need lots of upkeep and repairs.

Continuing the same idea, County Commissioner Loren Young informed every one that 1 trip down a road with an 80,000 pound semi is equal to 3200 cars traveling it. He also stated that our county roads are “main arteries.”

Closing up the meeting, Representative Halvorson stated that “meetings like this are very important, this is where new ideas come from.”