DICKINSON (AP) - Government officials and private sector companies say U.S. Highway 85 in western North Dakota is in need of some upgrades.

North Dakota Sen. Kent Conrad held a field hearing of the U.S. Senate Budget Committee in Dickinson to take comments about how investments in the highway could boost the region's economy.

Conrad says the highway is a lifeline for both the energy industry and agriculture. He says Congress is preparing to draft a new federal highway bill, and it might be an opportunity to get more federal dollars.