BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - Republican Gov. Doug Burgum is calling it an historic measure .
Burgum called a press conference Tuesday to tout the bill that aims to end a longstanding disagreement over shared revenues on the oil-rich Fort Berthold Indian reservation.
The legislation is the result of nearly two years of negotiations between tribal leaders, Burgum, legislative leaders, the state tax department and industry officials.
The bill’s first hearing is Wednesday. It reworks a tax-sharing agreement that favors the Three Affiliated Tribes on the reservation that accounts for about a fifth of the state’s oil production.
Three Affiliated Tribes Chairman Mark Fox and Burgum say they support the legislation.
The state Tax Department estimates the tribes will gain an additional $33 million in revenue over the next two-year budget cycle under the legislation.
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