By Dave Thompson

BISMARCK, N.D. (Prairie Public News) – North Dakota’s Transportation Director says the state should start investing in infrastructure now.

Bill Panous told the Senate Appropriations Committee it will be some time before Congress passes infrastructure spending – and he predicts that will face a tough road. Panous says North Dakota needs to get ahead of the game.

Panous says if the state waits two more years, costs will go up – and supplies will be short.

Legislators are discussing using some of the federal money from the American Rescue Act for infrastructure projects.