Governor proposes help for ND oil patch day care crunch

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Gov. Jack Dalrymple is proposing a pilot program that would provide state grants to oil patch cities to help buy modular child care facilities.

The Forum newspaper reports (http://bit.ly/LNE5SH) that the state has about $870,000 that could be used for a cost-share program to help address the shortage of child care facilities that has resulted from an influx of people drawn by the oil boom. Dickinson City Administrator Shawn Kessel and Williston Mayor Ward Koeser both say they like the idea.

Dalrymple told the Board of University and School Lands this week that grants would be a one-time incentive, not on ongoing obligation. He's asked officials with the Energy Infrastructure and Impact Office to work out details and report back to the land board.

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Information from: The Forum, http://www.in-forum.com

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.

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