A Western ND School District Funding Info Session will be held Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at the Comfort Inn (1030 E Interstate Ave.) in Bismarck, ND. The 63rd Legislative Session brought many changes to the way school districts in western North Dakota receive funding, both through state aid payments and through the Oil and Gas Gross Production Tax (GPT) distribution formula. In order to provide more information on those changes and allow questions to be answered by top state officials, the NDAOGPC is sponsoring this informational event.

The info session will begin at 1:00 pm CDT in Room C of the Comfort Inn (through the NW doors of the building), and all western area school administrators and the public are invited to attend and learn more about how their school districts can expect to be funded during the 2013-15 biennium. Featured speakers at the event will include a representative from the State Tax Commissioner's Office, who will give an overview of estimated GPT revenue for fiscal years 2014 and 2015, and Dept. of Public Instruction Director of School Finance Jerry Coleman, who will provide an explanation on the changes made by the legislature to the school district funding model.

Also providing information will be North Dakota's State Treasurer, who will speak about how GPT revenue will be distributed to school districts in oil producing counties. Rounding out the discussion will be a representative from the State Land Department, who will share on the Energy Impact Grant Program and how school districts impacted by oil and gas development will be able to gain financial assistance with K-12 infrastructure needs and improvements. Lastly will be a presentation from Housing Incentive Fund Program Administrator Bill Hourigan, who will share on ways the HIF may help school districts get out of the housing business.

Gov. Jack Dalrymple today announced that Rory Nelson will serve as western North Dakota's energy impact coordinator.  Nelson, a Williston resident, will work in the state's oil and gas region to help meet the challenges that come with rapid development.  Nelson's new job is effective immediately. He replaces Wayne Biberdorf who is retiring.

Rory Nelson, ND Energy Impact Coordinator

"Rory's extensive experience in the petroleum industry and his lifelong roots in the Williston Basin will be a great asset as we continue our work with local officials to address the impacts associated with rapid growth in our oil and gas counties," Dalrymple said.

"Having a state representative in the region who is dedicated solely to helping address these impacts has proven to be very helpful," Dalrymple said. "We are grateful for Wayne Biberdorf's dedicated service to the region and I know that Rory will also bring to the job valuable expertise, dedication and strong ties to western North Dakota."

Nelson grew up ranching and farming on the north bank of the Missouri River near Bainville, Mont., about nine miles west of the North Dakota border.  After earning a degree in petroleum engineering at Montana College of Mineral Science and Technology, he returned to the Williston Basin where he worked for Hess Corporation for 30 years.  At Hess, Nelson held engineering and management positions until he retired in November 2012.  Rory and his wife, Lisa, have lived in Williston for more than 30 years.

"I've spent 50 years in the Williston Basin and I have a good understanding of the challenges in the area," Nelson said. "I want to do everything I can to help."

WTI Crude: $105.49

Brent Crude: $108.04

Natural Gas: $3.64

ND Rig Count: 185