Burgum holds housing listening sessions in Harvey, Williston
Gov. Doug Burgum hosted listening sessions last week in Harvey and Williston, hearing from local leaders and stakeholders about housing challenges and potential solutions.
"Ensuring that all North Dakotans have access to safe, affordable, quality housing is key to a strong workforce, robust economy and healthy, vibrant communities," Burgum said. "We're grateful for the input of these community leaders as the Housing Initiative Advisory Committee works to draft a comprehensive housing strategy for the 2025 Legislature to consider."
The community housing roundtable discussions are part of the larger Housing Initiative that Burgum announced in January in his 2024 State of the State Address, building on the success of a similar effort last biennium to tackle another major roadblock to workforce participation – child care. The Legislature ultimately approved, and Burgum signed, a $66 million package to address child care availability, affordability and quality.
There's still time to take the housing survey here: https://www.hhs.nd.gov/nd-housing-initiative
Capitol Grounds Planning Commission approves State Museum military gallery design drawings
Planning for a new military museum gallery addition located on the south side of the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum in Bismarck took another step forward Tuesday when the Capitol Grounds Planning Commission unanimously approved architectural design development drawings submitted by the State Historical Society of North Dakota and the North Dakota National Guard.
"Our administration is committed to making North Dakota the most military-friendly state in the country for our veterans, active duty, and National Guard and Reserve members," said Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller, who chairs the Commission. "That starts with recognizing and showing our deepest appreciation for those North Dakotans who have served our nation with duty, honor and valor."
With this approval of an exterior design and use of a Capitol grounds site, the planning team is ready to move forward with developing construction documents. View the architectural designs at bit.ly/MilitaryGalleryRenderings.
Preliminary design plans for the approximately 60,000-square-foot addition include a 20,000-square-foot military gallery, a North Dakota National Guard regimental room also available to the public for rental events, an expanded food service area, and an outdoor courtyard and amphitheater space.
“We are appreciative of the planning commission’s approval,” said State Historical Society Director Bill Peterson. “This is a culmination of three years of working with the North Dakota National Guard on building a gallery that honors our active military personnel and veterans, educates and preserves history, and inspires state citizens. We can be proud of this gem being added to our spectacular State Museum.”
The 2023 state Legislative Assembly authorized a line of credit from the Bank of North Dakota for up to $20 million for this project, with additional funds raised through a North Dakota National Guard Foundation capital campaign.
The military gallery, scheduled for construction beginning in fall 2025 and completion in fall 2027, will be filled with fascinating narratives to help visitors understand the military’s influence at home and around the world. Visitors will learn personal stories of North Dakotans serving in all branches of the armed forces and gain an understanding of the first Native American military societies. Topics will include acts of bravery, conflict-based missions, humanitarian aid, and pivotal moments in history. These stories of North Dakota’s military participation will help visitors understand how the past continues to influence the present and future.
“This is another milestone in our pursuit of excellence in North Dakota,” said Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, adjutant general, North Dakota National Guard. “This has been a discussion for 50 years and we are now making it happen. Together, we will honor our rich military history and those who have served, and educate and inspire future generations.”
Learn more about the ND Military Gallery here: https://statemuseum.nd.gov/exhibits/nd-military-gallery
Burgum: New North Dakota Soybean Processors facility brings better prices for growers, jobs for region
Governor highlights recent surge of in-state soybean processing during ribbon cutting ceremony near Casselton
Gov. Burgum joined local, state and federal officials and community members for a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new North Dakota Soybean Processors plant near Casselton on Tuesday, lauding the project as part of an ongoing shift toward processing more of North Dakota’s raw farm commodities in the state.
Construction on the state-of-the-art facility started nearly two years ago, and it began accepting soybeans in July. During its first year of operation, the plant is expected to process up to 42.5 million bushels of soybeans into soybean oil, soybean meal and soybean hull pellets. The facility employs about 75 people.
Burgum said it’s a testament to the confidence processors have in North Dakota soybean growers and the quality crops they produce year after year. He called the facility a “win-win-win” for the state.
“This facility will benefit growers by cutting transportation costs and providing a year-round local market with better prices, while also providing good jobs for the region and making the United States more food and energy independent, which makes our nation more secure,” Burgum said. “We appreciate North Dakota Soybean Processors and its joint owners CGB Enterprises and Minnesota Soybean Processors for this significant investment, which will benefit our state’s economy and our citizens with tax revenue that supports essential services.”
Burgum noted the North Dakota Department of Commerce played a key role in developing the project, while the State Water Commission and North Dakota Public Finance Agency assisted with securing a water supply with the Cass County Rural Water District. The governor also thanked the state Department of Transportation for its ongoing work to rebuild the Lynchburg interchange on I-94 with a wider bridge to accommodate larger traffic to the soybean plant, and for helping Cass County secure funding for an access road to the plant.
North Dakota Soybean Processors is the second soybean crush to open in North Dakota in as many years. Green Bison Soy Processing launched operations last September in Spiritwood Energy Park, and Epitome Energy has obtained an air permit for a soybean crush planned in Grand Forks. When all three plants are operational, they will have the combined capacity to process roughly 75% of North Dakota’s soybean crop.
Water Commission approves $6.1M in cost-share for water projects
The North Dakota State Water Commission (SWC) approved $6.1 million in cost-share requests for water projects across the state. During the meeting chaired by Lt. Gov. Miller, 12 projects were approved for cost-share funding, including rural and regional water supply, municipal water supply, flood protection and general water projects.
The largest cost-share request approved was more than $1.9 million for Mandan’s Collins Reservoir replacement project. The purpose of the project is to replace Mandan’s existing 2-million-gallon reservoir located along Collins Avenue with a new reservoir of the same size. Construction is expected to begin this fall.
“These cost-share projects underscore our state’s commitment to providing reliable water supplies and flood protection and meeting the other water needs of our citizens,” Miller said. “Helping local sponsors pay for these critical infrastructure projects will make North Dakota more resilient and a more attractive place to live, work and raise a family.”
In another action, the SWC approved a Department of Water Resources’ (DWR) request to proceed with preliminary design of the Southwest Pipeline Project, West Zone Expansion project. The purpose of this project is to increase water transmission capacity to current and future water users along the Old Highway 10 corridor as far west as the City of Beach, including future development in the Medora area.
Leading up to this request, Southwest Water Authority (SWA) completed an outreach effort with communities and current contract users to determine future water needs. In addition, DWR and the SWA have worked closely with representatives of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, the City of Medora, Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation, and Billings County to determine needs around the Medora area.
Since the beginning of the 2023-2025 biennium funding cycle, the State Water Commission has approved cost-share totaling approximately $409 million for water supply, flood protection, and other general water management projects across the state.
“By approving funds for water resource projects across North Dakota, the State Water Commission is ensuring the sustainable management and development of our state's water resources,” Andrea Travnicek, Director of the North Dakota Department of Water Resources said. “These cost-share investments are vital to support and safeguard water supplies as well as proactively address flood protection in rural and urban areas alike.”
The primary purpose of the Cost-Share Program is to assist local project sponsors with financial support for water development projects – making them more affordable to local constituents. The 10-member SWC consists of Gov. Burgum as chairman, Ag. Commissioner Doug Goehring, and eight members appointed by the governor to serve six-year terms. For additional information, please visit www.dwr.nd.gov.
Nominate a member of Team ND for the Governor's Awards for Excellence in Public Service
Every day, members of Team ND are making a difference in the lives of our fellow North Dakotans to Empower People, Improve Lives and Inspire Success. Team members at every level are going above and beyond to put our citizens first by working across teams, agencies and branches to solve problems and rise above challenges.
The Governor’s Awards for Excellence in Public Service are an opportunity for each of us to share our gratitude for the many individuals who collectively make Team ND a world-class organization dedicated to its citizens. We encourage all members of Team ND to think about those team members who go above and beyond to serve citizens, to support the team and to create a stronger North Dakota. Then, recognize their efforts with a nomination for a Governor’s Award!
Nominations will be accepted through Aug. 31, and team members can submit several nominations across nine award types:
- Heritage Award for Excellence in Citizen Focus
- Telegraph Award for Excellence in Technology
- Pioneer Award for Excellence in Innovation
- Zezula Award for the One Who Helps
- Landmark Award for Excellence in People Management
- Frontier Award for Excellence in Continuous Learning
- Harvest Award for Excellence in Quality
- Sodbuster Award for Excellence in Growth Mindset
- Roaming Bison Award for Excellence in Work as One Culture (team award)
Recognition is made possible through your active participation. Last year, more than 600 members of Team ND were recognized in nearly 1,000 nominations submitted. This year, we hope to recognize even more exceptional Team ND members.
Main Street ND Summit registration is now open!
Registration is open for the 2024 Main Street ND Summit taking place Aug. 27-29 in Watford City.
The Main Street ND Summit provides an opportunity to join forces with local leaders, experts and passionate citizens to share winning strategies, spark fresh ideas and chart a course for regional prosperity.
This year's theme, "Regional Prosperity," is a call to action. Bring a neighbor, colleague or classmate and get ready to return home energized and equipped to build a brighter future for your community.
Beyond the inspiring sessions, the Main Street ND Summit offers a variety of exciting activities to immerse yourself in the heart of Watford City:
- Main Street Kickoff Street Fair (5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27): Enjoy a mechanical bull, wagon rides, live music, food trucks, and local shopping.
- Long X Visitor Center Little Market, Green Mile Block Party, and City Trail Walk (5-9:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28,): Explore local vendors, stroll through the park, and walk the city's historical trail.
- Arts Reception (5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28): Mingle with artists and staff from the North Dakota Council on the Arts.
- Main Street Bison Sip 'n Paint (7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28): Unleash your creativity in this beginner-friendly painting class (separate registration required).
Don't wait – secure your spot at the Main Street ND Summit and book your hotel room today!
Registration now open for Recovery Reinvented
Registration for Recovery Reinvented is now open for the in-person event Oct. 30, 2024, at the Bismarck Event Center.
State and national addiction experts will share their insight into how to turn "Advocacy into Action" at the eighth annual Recovery Reinvented, an event dedicated to ending the shame and stigma surrounding the disease of addiction.
The experience will be hosted by Gov. Burgum and First Lady Kathryn Burgum and will be free for both in-person attendees and online via livestream broadcast on recoveryreinvented.com.
Recovery Reinvented is free and open to the public, but space is limited, and registration is required. Registrants will be asked to indicate if they will attend in-person or virtually for the day-of experience and may update their registration status at any point.
NDRIO to host Inaugural Investment Seminar
The North Dakota Retirement and Investment Office will host its Inaugural Investment Seminar, “Optimizing Returns for North Dakota’s Future" on Sept. 25, 2024, at the Bismarck Public Schools Career Academy.
This seminar is designed to provide attendees with a comprehensive understanding of North Dakota's investment strategies and the broader economic landscape. It will also be an excellent opportunity for community leaders, members of the public, and industry professionals to learn about sound investment practices and the future of North Dakota’s financial growth.
2024 Governor’s Photo Contest for Travel and Tourism Now Open
The North Dakota Governor's Photo Contest for Travel and Tourism is back, inviting residents to capture the beauty and excitement of our state for a chance to win cash prizes and statewide recognition. This year’s contest is a partnership between the Governor's Office, AAA of North Dakota, North Dakota Tourism and the North Dakota Council on the Arts.
“North Dakota is a state of extraordinary beauty and diverse experiences, and this photo contest is a wonderful opportunity for residents to showcase what makes our state special,” Gov. Burgum said. “We encourage everyone to participate, capture the magic of our seasons, and share their unique perspectives with the world. Let’s celebrate North Dakota’s beauty together and inspire others to discover our great state.”
This year's theme highlights North Dakota's diverse seasons, showcasing the unique appeal of our state throughout the year. Photographers can submit entries in eight categories:
- Winter Scenery & Winter Activities
- Fall Scenery & Fall Activities
- Spring Scenery & Spring Activities
- Summer Scenery & Summer Activities
The contest is open to all North Dakota residents. Photographers can submit their entries online through Instagram, the contest website, or Flickr, or by mail. The deadline for entries is Jan. 31, 2025.
Winners will be chosen in each category, with a grand prize winner receiving an additional cash prize and a free AAA membership. Winning photos will also be displayed in the State Capitol and used in promotional materials.
Full details and contest rules can be found at https://www.ndtourism.com/governors-photo-contest-entry.