NEWS AND EVENTS
Beam Signing at Future Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library
I participated in a beam signing ceremony to mark the significant progress on the construction of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora. Construction began in the summer of 2023, and the library is slated to open in 2026.
It’s hard for me as a former tourism director to exaggerate the impact the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library will have. You cannot overstate the impact that Theodore Roosevelt has had on the area, the state, the nation, and the world. The care and the engineering that has gone into ensuring the integrity of the natural landscape that was so important to Roosevelt are as impressive as the man himself.
In late 1883, President Theodore Roosevelt invested in a cattle ranch in what was then the Dakota Territory. Following the deaths of his mother, Mittie, and wife, Alice, only a few months later in 1884, he left New York to grieve in the solitude of the Badlands.
President Roosevelt famously stated, "I have always said I would not have been President if it had not been for my experience in North Dakota."
Theodore Roosevelt National Park Makes Progress on South Loop Construction
For the past five years, a six-mile section of the South Unit Scenic Loop Drive in Theodore Roosevelt National Park (TRNP) has been closed as the result of sinkholes and landslides, which eroded the road and made it impassable for residents and visitors. I visited the park to see the progress on reconstruction efforts and other improvements.
What’s most impressive to me is the incredible care that went into both the planning and certainly the engineering, which is very impressive, but then the execution of the project that does two things in my view. It maintains the integrity of the infrastructure, which keeps the traveling public safe and allows this spectacular place to be open to them. More importantly, it maintains the integrity of the natural beauty, which is what the traveling public is here to see. It's great progress and I’m looking forward to it all being done sometime next year.
In addition to repairing the eroded sections of road and improving stormwater drainage, once reopened, the loop will feature expanded walkways, seating, and wayside exhibits, as well as repaved roadside pull-outs. The construction project is slated to be complete by the end of 2024 and the road reopened to visitor traffic by the summer of 2025.
North Dakota Peace Officers Association Annual Conference
The North Dakota Peace Officers Association (NDPOA) annual conference gathers law enforcement officers from across the state to acknowledge their service and honor those who have fallen in the line of duty. The NDPOA has a history dating back to 1911, evolving from the Sheriffs’ Association to become a unified voice for the entire criminal justice system in North Dakota.
During this year’s NDPOA conference, I highlighted the importance of supporting and implementing safeguards to defend those who dedicate their lives to serving and protecting their communities.
I never cease to be amazed by your courage and integrity, as well as the great compassion some people may never know you have.
Palmer Luckey to be my Guest at UAS Summit
Tech billionaire and defense entrepreneur Palmer Luckey will be my guest at this year’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Summit Oct. 8 and 9 in Grand Forks. Luckey is best known for founding Oculus VR and designing the Oculus Rift, a virtual reality head-mounted display, when he was 20 years old. In addition to Luckey, I invited defense giant Lockheed Martin to participate in the Summit.
Luckey's most recent defense start-up is now turning heads and impressing military leaders around the world. In 2017, he founded Anduril Industries, a defense technology company focused on autonomous drones and sensors for military applications. Nine months ago, his company unveiled a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) autonomous air vehicle called Roadrunner and Roadrunner M.
When I visited Palmer at his Costa Mesa headquarters, I knew immediately this guy is a disruptor and exactly what the military needs if we are going to stay ahead of our adversaries at a cost the taxpayers can afford. [...] Palmer Luckey came along just in time, and I am honored he accepted my invitation to join me in Grand Forks for this year’s UAS Summit.
GRANTS
HHS Announces Award to North Dakota State University
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced an award to North Dakota State University as part of the Academic Research Enhancement Award for the Undergraduate-Focused Institutions program. This program supports projects with an emphasis on providing biomedical research experiences for undergraduate students and enhancing the research environment at applicant institutions.
FAA Awards North Dakota Airports
The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a set of awards through the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) for projects at several airports across North Dakota. The funding will be distributed to the following locations:
- Hector International Airport
- The state of North Dakota to update its state and regional system plan
- Robert Odegaard Field Airport
- Mandan Regional Airport - Lawler Field
- Walhalla Municipal Airport
- Jamestown Regional Airport
- Dickinson-Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport
The FAA's AIP provides funding to airports nationwide for planning, capital, and safety enhancement projects.
EPA Agency Gives Award to North Dakota State University
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced an award to North Dakota State University (NDSU). This funding will allow the university to develop and maintain a comprehensive pesticide applicator program addressing all aspects of pesticide applicator certification, training, and outreach and education.
Weekly Radio Town Hall Schedule
Jay Thomas
Every other Tuesday from 3:00 to 3:30 p.m. CT
"Mitchell in the Morning" with Todd Mitchell
Every Wednesday from 8:15 to 8:50 a.m. CT
KFYR 550 AM / 99.7 FM - Bismarck
Noah Chelliah
Thursdays from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. CT
KNOX 1310 AM - Grand Forks
Rick Jensen
Thursdays from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. CT
KHND 1470 AM - Harvey
"What's On Your Mind" with Scott Hennen
Every other Friday from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. CT
AM 1100 The Flag - Fargo
WDAY 970 AM - Fargo
KTGO 1090 AM - Tioga
Michael Bell
Every other Friday from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. CT
KFYR 550 AM / 99.7 FM - Bismarck
Contact Me
My offices are open in Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot, Fargo, Williston, and Washington, D.C. To request an appointment, call any of the offices below or visit my website at www.cramer.senate.gov.
Bismarck
328 Federal Building
220 East Rosser Avenue
Bismarck, ND 58501
701-204-0500
Grand Forks
114 Federal Building
102 North 4th Street
Grand Forks, ND 58203
701-402-4540
Minot
105 Federal Building
100 First Street SW
Minot, ND 58701
701-837-6141
Fargo
306 Federal Building
657 Second Avenue N
Fargo, ND 58102
701-232-5094
Williston
125 Main Street
Suite #217
Williston, ND 58801
701-441-7230
Washington, D.C.
313 Hart Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
202-224-2043
Photo credits: The Office of U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer