Dalrymple expects growth in new North Dakota budget numbers

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Budget analysts are presenting new estimates for North Dakota's tax collections.

Gov. Jack Dalrymple says he's expecting the state's expected budget surplus to grow substantially.

The Legislature's interim Government Services Committee is hearing the report Wednesday.

Rising oil production has filled North Dakota's treasury with tax revenues. In July the expected surplus was pegged at almost $850 million.

That's not counting more than $1.1 billion in reserve funds that have restrictions on how they can be spent.

Dalrymple says the surplus should be devoted to one-time public works projects and tax cuts.

The Republican governor is seeking election this year, and he and Democratic challenger Ryan Taylor disagree about the best ways to use the money.

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