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For a third time, North Dakota Emergency Commission members on Tuesday approved millions of dollars for a line of credit to cover the ongoing costs of law enforcement response to Dakota Access Pipeline protests in southern Morton County.

A request for $7 million to get the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services through the end of the year was unanimously approved, bringing the total line of credit to $17 million.

Members of the commission used the oft-repeated mantra that they have no choice but to provide for law enforcement and first responders.

Gov. Jack Dalrymple said numerous requests have been sent to federal agencies to reimburse the state for such expenses and to provide resources, since the majority of those camping in protest of the pipeline are doing so on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers land.

“At this point, I’d have to say that is an unanswered question,” Dalrymple said of whether federal money or resources are coming.

He said there’s been no response, but he’s hopeful the federal government will come around at some point, whether it happens with the current administration or after President-elect Donald Trump takes office.