Question for both North Dakota schools

[canyoncat]

With all the money from the Bakken Oil fields in Western North Dakota, does any of that money get funneled towards North Dakota athletics? I am assuming that those who own the land being leased some if it is donated. However, does any of the tax revenue get put towards university athletics (scholarships, facilities)?

I made a statement on egriz stating that I don't think any of the oil money goes towards your athletic programs. Alpha says I am wrong. Who's right?

[clenz]

I would be it does in a rather indirect way if we are talking state funding to the school/athletic department.

I'm sure it's a rather direct way with the big time donors to each that are landing in the money.

[Bison Fan in NW MN]

No, as far as I know....nothing directly towards the athletic departments.

Indirectly? Probably, but nothing like Englestad.

[SeattleGriz]

No, as far as I know....nothing directly towards the athletic departments.

Indirectly? Probably, but nothing like Englestad.

That's a yes.

[LDopaPDX]

You have to figure that any industry that substantially increases the general wealth of a state is going to somehow funnel into the local athletic programs. This would happen not only through tax collection and redistribution to higher education but new donors with deep pockets.

[GeauxSioux]

Not to Athletics that I am aware of. To education, yes. Harold Hamm of Continental Resources did give UND a nice donation.... http://und.edu/features/2012/09/hamm.cfm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The University of North Dakota announces $14 million in private and public partnership funding that will greatly enhance UND's efforts in petroleum geology and related fields. The announcement also included the naming of the Harold Hamm School of Geology and Geological Engineering in the UND College of Engineering and Mines.

The total project of $14,000,000 includes $10,000,000 provided as a gift from Harold Hamm and Continental Resources, Inc., which will create the Harold Hamm School of Geology and Geological Engineering. Another $4,000,000 from the Industrial Commission/Oil and Gas Research Program will fund the proposal entitled "Public-Private Partnership to Support Geology and Geological Engineering Education and Research at UND's College of Engineering and Mines."

UND has also started a Petroleum Engineering degree in the past few of years to "tap" into the oil fields.... http://engineering.und.edu/petroleum/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;