After burning through $6 million, N.D. asking for another $4 million for law enforcement at pipeline

Leaders of state criticize government for not helping pay

BISMARCK, N.D. — North Dakota leaders are criticizing the federal government for not helping pay the policing bill for protests at the Dakota Access pipeline 

The state agreed Tuesday to borrow an additional $4 million to cover the escalating law enforcement costs, bringing the total line of credit to $10 million. 

Gov. Jack Dalrymple says officials have asked for contributions from the federal government, the pipeline company, an American Indian tribe, “and any entity we can think of.” 

So far, North Dakota and the local governments it backs have shouldered most of the law enforcement expenses even paying for officers from other states that have assisted North Dakota during the protests.