Bill would have North Dakota finance amusement park

N.D. – The Legislature will decide if a last-minute proposal for a state-financed amusement and theme park along a major interstate would be an economic boon for the area, or if it would take taxpayers for a ride.

The idea that’s been quietly tucked into the state Commerce Department’s budget in the waning weeks of the legislative session would provide $65 million in loans and grants for the proposed facility on state-owned land adjacent to Interstate 94 in Jamestown.

Lawmakers pushing the project say they’re already being mocked by some of their colleagues for bringing up the proposal.