BISMARCK, N.D. (KUMV) - North Dakota lawmakers will soon need to determine how to allocate federal dollars provided by the Big, Beautiful Bill for rural healthcare.

The Bill provides $50 billion over the next five years as part of the Rural Health Transformation Program.

State leaders say the money can be used for things like improving behavioral health access and developing the workforce. It can’t be used towards new construction projects or to replace existing funding for projects or services, such as funding the state hospital.

North Dakota will receive at least $100 million each year, plus additional funding for various criteria. States have to apply for the funding by Nov. 5.

Senate Majority Leader David Hogue says a legislative committee will be needed to provide some input.

“We

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