Petition approved for ND outdoors measure

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BISMARCK(AP) — Secretary of State Al Jaeger has approved an initiative petition that advocates taking a portion of state oil tax collections for outdoors and conservation projects.

Jaeger's approval means supporters of the petition may begin gathering signatures. They need names from almost 27,000 eligible North Dakota voters to put the issue on the ballot. They must turn in the petitions by Aug. 8 to qualify for the general election ballot.

The measure sets up a nine-member appointed board that would give out money from the proposed fund. At current oil prices and production levels, the fund could collect at least $84 million each year.

The measure's supporters include nonprofit groups that would benefit from the fund.

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