By Dave Thompson

BISMARCK, N.D. (Prairie Public) – The state’s Investment Board will be studying how to invest some of the money in the state’s Legacy Fund into North Dakota projects.

This comes after a poll of statewide development groups shows they want more investment in the state. And the poll suggests a potential initiated measure – so that 100 percent of the money would be invested here.

State Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread is a member of the Investment Board. And he suggested the study.

Godfread says he hopes to have some ideas ready for the 2021 Legislature. A Legislative committee is also looking at it.

A recent survey of economic developers showed overwhelming support for investing Legacy Fund money within the state. And there has been talk of an initiated measure to require that 100 percent be invested here.

Godfread says he wants to keep the conversation going.

The Legislature’s Legacy and Budget Stabilization and Advisory Board will also be discussing the issue at its meeting Thursday.