JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Jamestown City Councilman Dan Buchanan is encouraging residents to reach out to their state legislators and give their support of SB 2275.

The bill would act as a supplement to Operation Prairie Dog for infrastructure projects in the state. The bill failed in the House on a 34 to 55 vote. Buchanan stated that the bill, if it does come back to a vote and passes, would benefit the city.

Buchanan says the League of Cities reports that there might be a legislative rule that allows the bill to be brought back for a vote. The bill failed after expressed concern for covering the bill’s bond issue of up to $500 million for 30 years.

Mayor Dwaine Heinrich says the bill would bond on future earnings of the Legacy Fund.

Heinrich says in talking with a state representative, he says they feel the state could come back to the bill in a few years and not need to concern itself with the bonding.

He explained that the community will still win with the passing of the Prairie Dog Bill.

In other city council business, the city approved the First Reading concerning an ordinance to grant a non-exclusive gas distribution system franchise agreement to Montana Dakota Utilities. They also filled numerous appointments to different committees and boards including the Pension Committee, Forestry Committee, and Storm Water Committee.