Dakota Download Governor Burgum's Weekly Update - April 28, 2024

Burgum thanks those who pressed National Park Service to keep wild horses in TR National Park

Gov. Doug Burgum thanked all those who pressed the National Park Service to keep the wild horses in Theodore Roosevelt National Park after the agency announced Thursday it has terminated its Livestock Plan and Environmental Assessment (EA) "after careful consideration of the information and public comment received during the EA process."

"It's been almost 15 months since we sent the National Park Service a letter urging them to maintain the herd of wild horses in Theodore Roosevelt National Park and elevated the issue by calling a press conference at the Capitol with state legislators, who ultimately passed a resolution urging the same. We're deeply grateful to the thousands of supporters whose voices were heard," Burgum stated, adding, "We will remain vigilant to ensure that the wild horses continue to be a permanent fixture, preserving this popular attraction and important piece of the park's incredible history."

Burgum announces 2024 Governor’s Band and Chorus programs from West Fargo Sheyenne and Grand Forks Central

Gov. Burgum announced that the West Fargo Sheyenne Sinfonia Orchestra and Grand Forks Central Chamber Choir have been selected as the 2024 Governor’s Official State Band and Choral Programs.

“It is an honor to recognize the talented students and directors of the West Fargo Sheyenne Sinfonia Orchestra and the Grand Forks Central Chamber Choir. Congratulations to these two outstanding groups of young people who do an exceptional job representing their schools, their communities and our state,” Burgum said. “Music and the arts play a vital role in the health and vibrancy of our communities and are a valuable piece of our students’ education. The members of the West Fargo Sheyenne Sinfonia Orchestra and the Grand Forks Central Chamber Choir are shining examples of the incredibly talented musicians in our North Dakota schools.”

The West Fargo Sheyenne Sinfonia Orchestra, a 45-student ensemble, is currently under direction of Rich Gonzales and Sadie Eddleston. The ensemble is made up of a diverse group of student musicians, athletes, speech and debaters, artists, dancers and thespians. The West Fargo Sheyenne Sinfonia Orchestra was selected via audition to perform at the 2024 North Dakota Music Educators Conference in Bismarck in March 2024. Over the past two years, many student musicians have auditioned and been accepted into the UND Honor Orchestra and North Dakota All State Orchestra. Members of Sinfonia may audition for placement in the extracurricular Chamber Orchestra and Mustang Quartet, both of which perform in the Fargo-Moorhead community regularly. The West Fargo Sheyenne Sinfonia Orchestra is the first orchestra to be selected as the Governor’s Band by Burgum.

The Grand Forks Central Chamber Choir, under the direction of Geoff Mercer, is comprised of 18 students at Grand Forks Central High School in grades 9-10. Students in the Chamber Choir are known for their high level of academic achievement within the school and are active in leadership positions within the school, including student government, athletics, academic clubs and fine arts organizations. The Chamber Choir routinely places a large number of students as participants and soloists in both the North Dakota Middle Level All State Choir and the North Dakota High School All State Choir.

The Governor’s Band and Chorus were selected from applications submitted by school and civic groups from across the state based on musical talent, achievement and community involvement. They may be invited to perform at official state functions throughout the year.

NDDOT selects 66 local projects for Flexible Transportation Fund

The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) selected 66 local projects totaling $84 million to fund through its Flexible Transportation Fund (Flex Fund) program.

The program provides $222.5 million to the NDDOT for improvements to transportation infrastructure on and off the state highway system, including within townships, cities, counties, and tribal reservations.

“Investing in our infrastructure is critically important to provide North Dakota citizens with a safe and reliable transportation system,” said Gov. Doug Burgum. “The Flex Fund will allow the state more flexibility to support local, county, and tribal highway projects.”

The Flex Fund was recommended in the governor's executive budget proposal and established by the 68th Legislative Assembly to complement the Federal Aid Highway Program and further support an interconnected transportation system.

“There was a very high interest level among local partners in the initial Flex Fund rollout which highlights the need for transportation funding across the state,” said NDDOT Director Ron Henke. “This program shows the commitment of the state legislature, governor and NDDOT to provide the needed funding to safely move people and goods.”

The NDDOT received 264 applications for the program totaling more than $674 million in project costs.

A complete list of projects can be found at www.dot.nd.gov/flexfund.

Burgum proclaims April 21-27 as 'Finish the FAFSA Week' in ND, urges completing student aid application

Gov. Burgum issued a proclamation declaring April 21-27 as Finish the FAFSA Week in North Dakota. Along with the North Dakota University System (NDUS), Bank of North Dakota (BND), North Dakota Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NDASFAA) and Department of Public Instruction (DPI), Burgum is urging all high school seniors and their families to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2024-25 academic year.

North Dakota is down more than 25% in completed FAFSA submissions from this same time last year, which could be due in part to the challenges and delays with the new FAFSA launch this year. The goal of the proclamation is to highlight financial aid possibilities for students who have not yet applied.

“Higher education should be affordable and accessible to all those who choose to pursue it. Far too often, North Dakota students don’t realize the full scope of financial aid available to them to help pay for college, graduate school and career training programs,” Burgum said. “A strong workforce is crucial to our state’s economy and the wellness of our communities, as well as having fulfilling jobs to help retain students in our state when they graduate. Filling out the FAFSA gives students and families a plan and a path to find the best way to fulfill individual career goals.”

Schools and partners offered extended hours April 22-25 to help with questions about the FAFSA. North Dakota’s proclamation encourages high school counselors, principals, superintendents, after-school programs, parent groups, nonprofit organizations, and local and state education organizations to assist students and families in completing the FAFSA as the first step toward achieving college and career aspirations. Additionally, BND has a webpage containing all of the information on Finish the FAFSA Week with tools and resources that help assist in the process.

“I empathize with the students and families affected by this year’s FAFSA delays, and in addition, I want to emphasize that it is never too late to access financial aid and make your postsecondary journey affordable,” NDUS Chancellor Mark Hagerott said. “Many of our North Dakota institutions are extending their enrollment deadlines to make sure students receive the financial aid for which they qualify.”

Data shows that students who submit the FAFSA are more likely to enroll in a postsecondary program, persist in their studies and earn a degree or credential. According to the National College Attainment Network, through April 5, FAFSA submissions by high school seniors are down nearly 40% nationally, and North Dakota ranks 35th in the nation for percentage of seniors completing the form.