The advantages of having oil in North Dakota are great, but everything comes at a cost, and many counties need help in order to continue. That's why the North Dakota legislature has decided to kick back more of the oil revenues to oil producing counties.

The House and Senate both voted today to approve a bill to help the 16 counties in oil country repair and rebuild damage caused by oil activity.

The bill sends almost $30 million dollars more to cities, counties and townships.

That's on top of the $88 million they already receive.

In addition, up to $8 million will be available in grant money for oil related costs.

While some legislators say this will help their areas dramatically, others say it's not enough...

(Sen. Cook) "As they produce all these wells out there they have big equipment they're tough on roads and there's a need for infastructure. That's the intent of this bill to send money out to these 16 counties where the need is." (Bowman) "I still have concerns to Mountrail County because of the vast amount of impact they've had. I hope this helps them. I hope they can get on their feet. And in two years if there's a need to tweak this we'll have to do it." (Nodland) "That $30 million is well appreciated and well needed. There's not a question. We heard the needs"

The bill passed unanimously out of both chambers.

It now goes to the Governor. watch the video | save this article / add to your favorites list