By Dave Thompson

BISMARCK, N.D. (Prairie Public News) – As the 2021 Legislature heads toward its final weeks, there is a big unknown.

And that is – what are the rules for using federal coronavirus relief dollars from the American Rescue package?

Legislative leaders know the amount the state will be receiving – but don’t yet know what the money can be used for.

House Majority Leader Chet Pollert.

Senate Majority Leader Rich Wardner says some decisions on allocating those federal dollars could be made when lawmakers come back to Bismarck for its redistricting session in December.

North Dakota will be receiving $1.36 billion from the American Rescue Act.