Board of University and School Lands Announces Record Distributions for 2027-2029 Biennium

BISMARCK, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) On behalf of the Board of University and School Lands (Land Board), the Department of Trust Lands is pleased to announce historic distributions of nearly $762 million to trust beneficiaries for the 2027–2029 biennium, reflecting strong growth in asset values. The Land Board, in close collaboration with Trust Lands staff, manages more than 700,000 surface acres, 2.6 million mineral acres, and 13 permanent trusts. This prudent management has preserved the integrity of these assets while driving substantial growth, with overall distributions to beneficiaries increasing an average of 23% this biennium over last. This record growth stems from a powerful combination of factors, including $2.4 billion in oil and gas royalties generated over the last five years from nearly 10,000 wells, along with income from agricultural rents, easements, and a well-diversified $9.5 billion investment portfolio. Together, these sources strengthen the funding of education in N