News & Events

The North Dakota Department of Human Services and Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) are partnering to provide high-quality health care services to qualifying low-income North Dakotans through the state’s Medicaid Expansion program, beginning Jan. 1, 2022.

Gov. Doug Burgum issued the following statement regarding today’s announcement that North Dakota Soybean Processors LLC plans to construct a state-of-the-art soybean processing plant near Casselton.

The North Dakota Department of Commerce is currently accepting proposals for the Autonomous Agriculture Matching Grant program.

Parents and caregivers play a powerful role in supporting the behavioral health of their children. Parents Lead, an evidence-based prevention program, provides parents, caregivers and other trusted adults with tools and resources that can help support the behavioral health of their children during the holiday season.

Gov. Doug Burgum today appointed Brian Kroshus to serve as North Dakota’s next tax commissioner, citing his experience as a business leader and his background in defending the public interest as a member of the state’s Public Service Commission (PSC) for approximately five years.

Every holiday season many people travel back to North Dakota or to rural areas to visit loved ones. North Dakota Department of Human Services officials say that family

gatherings provide a good opportunity to visit with aging parents and other relatives with physical disabilities about their changing needs, and to do some planning for future care needs.

The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department announces the Park District Facility Renovation Grant (PDFRG) opening on January 3, 2022. This 50% matching grant is available to local park districts for renovation, upgrade and/or repair of existing facilities. The grant application cycle will be open until January 31, 2022. 

The North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) has confirmed four cases of the COVID-19 omicron variant in the state. Two cases were confirmed in Ward County, one in Burleigh County and one in Cass County. All four cases were identified in individuals under the age of 50. Two cases had traveled together to another state and two cases have no travel noted. Three of the four individuals had completed two doses of COVID-19 vaccine but had not received booster doses. One case was not vaccinated. None of the individuals have been hospitalized.

Gov. Doug Burgum released the following statement after North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem announced today he will not seek re-election in 2022. Stenehjem is the longest-serving attorney general in North Dakota history, having held the position for 21 years. He was elected as the state’s 29th attorney general in 2000 and was re-elected in 2004, 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018. Stenehjem also served in the North Dakota Legislature for 24 years, including four years in the House and 20 years in the Senate, where he was chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee from 1995-2000.

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality (NDDEQ) awarded three loans for water and sanitary sewer projects to two communities through the State Revolving Fund (SRF) Programs in October.

Gov. Doug Burgum and the North Dakota National Guard’s adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, today visited the 125 soldiers from the Bismarck-based 957th Engineer Company serving along the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas, getting a first-hand look at their border mission and thanking them for their service in support of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Gov. Doug Burgum today released the following statement in response to North Dakota Senate Majority Leader Rich Wardner announcing his retirement next year after 30 years in the Legislature.

BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota Department of Commerce announced today that The Innovation Technology Loan Fund (LIFT) Committee awarded $250,000 to Thaea LLC for the month of December. 

Gov. Doug Burgum and Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford today marked the fifth anniversary of being sworn into office, reflecting on a year filled with historic progress on infrastructure, workforce, economic development and other priorities, as well as major challenges including extreme drought conditions and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Through the American Rescue Plan (ARP), North Dakota Council on the Arts (NDCA) has awarded $187,730 to individual artists and $508,120 to non-profit arts organizations in North Dakota. In addition, through a regional partnership with Arts Midwest, an additional $117,515 has been designated to ND arts organizations, also funded through partnership agreements with the National Endowment for the Arts.

 

Gov. Doug Burgum today is advocating for North Dakota interests and priorities in meetings with top leaders from the U.S. Department of the Interior, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) during the Western Governors’ Association (WGA) winter meeting in California.

Gov. Doug Burgum today announced he will travel to Texas next week to visit 125 North Dakota National Guard soldiers serving at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Gov. Doug Burgum today issued the following statement in observance of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day as Americans mark 80 years since the attacks in Hawaii that drew the United States into World War II.

Gov. Doug Burgum has directed all government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff until sunset Thursday, Dec. 9, and encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, in honor and remembrance of World War II veteran and former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole, who died today at age 98.

Find a North Dakota treasure for every person on your list – naughty and nice alike. Whether you take a trip across the state, order online, or stay local to purchase gifts this year, browse the collection below to see what homegrown and homemade North Dakota has to offer in some of our large cities and small towns.

The North Dakota Department of Human Services’ Behavioral Health Division announced today $5 million in grant funding to expand access to residential substance use disorder treatment services for adults in underserved areas of the state.

The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) announced today customers may now take their driver's license knowledge test online at dot.nd.gov.

Gov. Doug Burgum today joined Bismarck State College President Doug Jensen, state legislators, business leaders and others in highlighting the critical importance of BSC’s future Polytechnic Education Center in meeting the state’s significant workforce needs.

The North Dakota Department of Commerce today announced that the application window for round one of the 2022 Main Street Initiative (MSI) Partners in Planning (PiP) Grant will be open from Nov. 30 through Jan. 31, 2022. 

The North Dakota Department of Commerce announced today it has renewed the Renaissance Zone Program for the city of Underwood for five additional years.

The North Dakota Department of Commerce announced today it has renewed the Renaissance Zone Program for the city of Velva for five additional years.

Gov. Doug Burgum and First Lady Kathryn Burgum encourage the public to join them for holiday readings, music and carols at the 40th annual North Dakota State Christmas Tree lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 6, in Memorial Hall at the Capitol. The theme of this year’s Christmas tree is “Share Your Story,” inspired by the first lady’s platform of encouraging people to share their experiences of how addiction and recovery has impacted their lives, but also broadly applies to the notion that every person has a story worth sharing.

The North Dakota Department of Commerce recently completed a tour across North Dakota with representatives from RoleCall, a talent consultation company, to kick off a statewide talent attraction project.

The North Dakota Department of Commerce announced today that The Innovation Technology Loan Fund (LIFT) Committee awarded $750,000 to Access Point Technologies EP for the month of November.   

The North Dakota Department of Human Services announced that it will be hosting webinars beginning this month to spotlight services it funds that give adults with physical disabilities and older adults options beyond nursing home care.

Gov. Doug Burgum released the following statement today after President Joe Biden announced that the U.S. Department of Energy will make available releases of 50 million barrels of oil from the nation’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve to address high gas prices and supply-demand imbalance.

Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford today urged the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s top water official to abandon the Biden administration’s proposal to revive the Obama-era Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule.

Gov. Doug Burgum today congratulated North Dakota State University and members of the Peltier family on the naming of NDSU’s future state-of-the-art Agricultural Products Development Center (APDC) as the Peltier Complex.

The North Dakota Department of Human Services’ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) has recognized two businesses for supporting an inclusive workforce by hiring, training and inspiring people with disabilities to excel in the workforce.

Gov. Doug Burgum today released the following statement on the passing of retired North Dakota Air National Guard Brig. Gen. Al Palmer, who served on the governor’s Task Force for Veterans Affairs created in 2018. Palmer died Tuesday at age 69.

Gov. Doug Burgum today thanked Tax Commissioner Ryan Rauschenberger for his service to the State of North Dakota after Rauschenberger notified the governor of his intention to resign his position effective Jan. 3, 2022.

Gov. Doug Burgum today signed the final bills of the Legislature’s special session, approving strategic investments of federal dollars into infrastructure, workforce, economic development and other priorities.

November marks Diabetes Awareness Month and Nov. 14 was World Diabetes Day. The North Dakota Diabetes Prevention and Control Program (NDDPCP) at the NDDoH is partnering with health systems, pharmacies and community-based organizations across the state to increase awareness and action around prediabetes and diabetes care. 

Gov. Doug Burgum today signed legislation to provide an estimated $211 million in income tax relief over the next two years by eliminating the state income tax bill for approximately 300,000 North Dakota taxpayers and providing partial relief to another 200,000 taxpayers. The tax relief fulfills a major piece of the governor’s Accelerate ND plan for the Legislature’s special session, which adjourned today.

Gov. Doug Burgum today released the following statement after signing House Bill 1504, the legislative redistricting bill that was overwhelmingly approved by the state Legislature. The North Dakota Constitution requires the Legislative Assembly to redistrict itself after each federal decennial census.

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum today released the following statement in observance of Veterans Day. Burgum will address the Veterans Day ceremony at 10 a.m. today in the Russell Reid Auditorium at the North Dakota Heritage Center in Bismarck.

The North Dakota Department of Commerce announced today that their Community Services Division awarded $2,112,000 of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to three North Dakota communities.

The North Dakota Department of Commerce announced today it has renewed the Renaissance Zone Program for the city of Wishek for five additional years.

Gov. Doug Burgum today joined Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem in announcing that North Dakota has joined nine other states in a lawsuit challenging the Biden administration’s mandate that employers who receive funding through Medicare or Medicaid programs must require their employees to be vaccinated for COVID-19.

The North Dakota Department of Commerce announced today it has renewed the Renaissance Zone Program for the city of Minot for five additional years.

Gov. Doug Burgum today expressed his strong support for North Dakota’s legal challenge to the Biden administration’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate on private businesses with 100 or more employees. 

The Office of the First Lady invites artists and craftspeople to provide handmade ornaments for the North Dakota State Christmas Tree. The tree will be on display in Memorial Hall at the state Capitol.

Gov. Doug Burgum released the following statement today after the Biden administration announced plans to impose redundant regulations on oil and gas producers to address methane emissions, following a similar Obama administration proposal that was removed under the Trump administration.

In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, immerse yourself in the rich history of the tribes with the most influence on today’s North Dakota: the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara (MHA Nation); the Yanktonai, Sisseton, Wahpeton, Hunkpapa and other Dakota/Lakota/Nakota (commonly known as Sioux) tribes; and the Chippewa and Metis. All are invited to explore the culture, traditions, and historical developments of these tribal nations at attractions and points of interest across the state.

The National Governors Association announced today that North Dakota and five other states were selected for the second phase of NGA’s Workforce Innovation Network (NGA WIN), in which states will deploy cross-agency teams to identify and implement strategies that advance digital skill development and more equitable economic participation.

Gov. Doug Burgum released the following statement today regarding the passing of Lynn Aas of Minot, a former state legislator and decorated World War II veteran.

Gov. Doug Burgum today stressed his support for a legal challenge filed today on behalf of North Dakota and nine other states to the Biden administration’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate on federal contractors.

Gov. Doug Burgum today issued an executive order convening a special session of the North Dakota Legislature on Nov. 8 to address legislative redistricting, tax relief and strategic investments in infrastructure, workforce, economic development and other priorities.

Research shows that people want to remain living independently at home as long as possible, even as their physical abilities may change. In North Dakota, caregivers, called qualified service providers (QSPs), provide important supports that help people live independently at home, including a variety of personal care services, meal preparation help and related support.  

The Innovation Technology Loan Fund (LIFT) Committee awarded $3.8 million to four North Dakota businesses for the month of October. 

The North Dakota Department of Commerce hosted the annual Tourism Industry Marketing Summit on Oct. 26., bringing together more than 100 tourism professionals from across the state in a day filled with professional development, industry meetings and a report on 2021 marketing efforts.

Gov. Doug Burgum and First Lady Kathryn Burgum today hosted the fifth Recovery Reinvented, a daylong in-person and online event focused on reinventing recovery through eliminating the stigma of addiction.

Gov. Doug Burgum and First Lady Kathryn Burgum today shared the results from the North Dakota Addressing Addiction survey at Recovery Reinvented.

Gov. Doug Burgum today welcomed home about 70 members of Company C of the North Dakota National Guard’s 2-285th Aviation Regiment who recently returned home from a nine-month deployment to the National Capital Region during a ceremony at the Guard’s Army Aviation Support Facility in Bismarck.

The North Dakota Department of Commerce today announced that a total of $1 million was awarded to five projects through the 2021 Tourism Planning Grant.

Gov. Doug Burgum has directed all government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff until sunset Friday, Oct. 22, and encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, as a mark of respect for retired Gen. Colin Powell, who passed away today at age 84.

The North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) and health care providers across the state are encouraging volunteers and individuals with health care experience to join the health care workforce during this time of unprecedented staffing need.

Gov. Doug Burgum presented the Governor’s Choice Economic Development Awards during the Economic Development Association of North Dakota (EDND) Fall Conference on Wednesday, Oct. 13, in West Fargo. 

Gov. Doug Burgum and the North Dakota Department of Commerce today announced that the North Dakota Development Fund has approved initial support for Cerilon Inc. to develop a major gas-to-liquids (GTL) complex in North Dakota, with the initial phase estimated at $2.8 billion.

Gov. Doug Burgum today hosted U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm in Grand Forks with U.S. Sen. John Hoeven, stressing the importance of North Dakota’s all-of-the-above energy policy to meeting the nation’s energy needs and highlighting the innovation happening in North Dakota to address and capitalize on carbon constraints in the energy sector.

Gov. Doug Burgum released the following statement today after the Biden administration announced it will begin lifting restrictions at the U.S.-Canada border in November to allow nonessential travelers who have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19 to enter the United States via land and ferry. Canada reopened its border to vaccinated U.S. citizens for nonessential travel on Aug. 9.

Gov. Doug Burgum today delivered opening remarks to kick off the 2021 Main Street ND Summit, emphasizing the importance of building smart, efficient infrastructure that allows communities to differentiate themselves so they can attract and retain a 21st century workforce and attract new investment. 

With more than 17,000* open and available online job openings in September 2021, the North Dakota Department of Human Services’ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) is reminding employers that people with disabilities are a valuable workforce resource and that the division can help connect them with qualified applicants to meet their workforce needs or retain quality employees.

The North Dakota Department of Commerce announced today that two companies were approved a total of $1.1 million in loan and venture funds through the North Dakota Development Fund (NDDF) during the third quarter of 2021.

Gov. Doug Burgum along with North Dakota Commerce Tourism and Marketing Director Sara Otte Coleman and North Dakota Council on the Arts Executive Director Kim Konikow today presented the winning submissions from the 18th annual North Dakota Governor’s Photo Contest at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum.  

Andrea Travnicek, Ph.D., Director of the Department of Water Resources, today announced John Paczkowski as State Engineer for the Department of Water Resources, noting his considerable dedication, strong leadership, and vast knowledge of North Dakota’s water resources.

The North Dakota Department of Commerce announced today that their Community Services Division received more than $7.5 million in funding for weatherization, and energy furnace and cooling repair programs.

Gov. Doug Burgum and chief medical officers and physicians from several of the state’s largest hospitals today warned that hospital capacity in North Dakota is reaching critical levels and urged the public to help reduce the need for hospitalization.

Beginning this heating season, North Dakotans who need help paying for their winter heating bills can apply online for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The heating assistance program is the final program to be added to the state’s online Self-Service Portal and Consolidated Eligibility System (SPACES). Individuals can also apply locally at a human service zone office or by mail if they prefer.

Gov. Doug Burgum today unveiled his “Accelerate ND” plan containing his executive recommendations to the state Legislature for strategically investing federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). As part of the plan, the governor also proposed using a portion of the state’s near-record ending fund balance from the 2019-21 budget to provide an estimated $207 million of income tax relief over two years, support economic development and provide long-term cost savings to North Dakota taxpayers, all without raising taxes.

Gov. Doug Burgum and State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler announced Monday that Bret Dockter, a sixth-grade teacher at B.M. Hanson Elementary School in Harvey, has been named North Dakota’s 2022 Teacher of the Year.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission approved program guidelines today and is currently accepting financial assistance applications through Nov. 1, 2021, for the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority. 

Al Anderson was named by the North Dakota Industrial Commission to serve as the director of the North Dakota Clean Sustainable Energy Authority (Authority) effective today Sept. 27, 2021.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many North Dakota businesses experienced an unprecedented shift within the workforce. 

North Dakota Chief Information Officer Shawn Riley today announced Evonne Amundson as the Information Technology agency’s Chief Customer Success Officer (CCSO), a position directly aligned with elevating NDIT’s focus on driving value for customers through a holistic strategy focused on people, process and technology to achieve business needs.

Earlier this week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the use of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine for a single booster dose, to be administered at least six months after completion of the primary series for certain individuals.

Natural disasters can have long-term effects on individuals’ behavioral health. The North Dakota Department of Human Services’ Behavioral Health Division is announcing two funding opportunities for a variety of organizations in the 29 counties impacted by the 2019 federally declared flooding disaster. These include Adams, Barnes, Cass, Dickey, Eddy, Emmons, Foster, Grand Forks, Grant, Griggs, Hettinger, Kidder, LaMoure, Logan, McIntosh, McKenzie, Morton, Mountrail, Nelson, Pembina, Ransom, Richland, Sargent, Sheridan, Steele, Stutsman, Traill, Walsh and Wells counties.

The North Dakota Department of Human Services’ Early Childhood Division is inviting all licensed or regulated North Dakota child care providers to apply for federally funded stabilization and recovery grants beginning now through August 2022. A variety of grant types are available, including stabilization, health and safety facility improvement, technology, inclusion, start-up, and quality improvement grants.   

Gov. Doug Burgum today signed an executive order waiving hours of service, weight, width and height restrictions and fees for drivers of commercial vehicles transporting hay, water and livestock to help North Dakota livestock producers affected by continuing drought conditions.

The North Dakota Department of Commerce announced today that the Innovation Technology Loan Fund (LIFT) Committee awarded $2.25 million to three North Dakota businesses for the month of September.

“We continue to see quality projects come before the LIFT Committee,” Commerce Head of Investments and Innovation Shayden Akason said. “There is still $11.5 million in LIFT funds to be awarded this biennium so I highly encourage companies to apply at business.nd.gov/lift/.

Gov. Doug Burgum today congratulated Valley-Edinburg Elementary School in Crystal, Roosevelt Elementary School in Mandan and Wyndmere Public School for being recognized by U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2021.

Gov. Doug Burgum released the following statement today after the Biden administration announced it is extending restrictions on nonessential travel at the U.S.-Canada border for another month, until Oct. 21. Canada reopened its border to vaccinated U.S. citizens for nonessential travel on Aug. 9.

Gov. Doug Burgum today appointed Cody Schulz to lead the North Dakota Department of Parks and Recreation, citing his extensive record of public service and strong leadership at the state and county levels, including through some of the most challenging periods in recent state history.

Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford today highlighted the state of North Dakota’s continued support for the development and commercialization of autonomous technology as he joined officials in announcing that Chicago-based robotics company Sabanto has donated a tractor utilizing its autonomous platform to the Grand Farm project near Fargo.

The Bowman County Development Corporation (BCDC) hosted a creative placemaking workshop as part of being the recipient for the 2021 Artists on Main Street program on Aug. 30.

Gov. Doug Burgum released the following statement in response to President Joe Biden’s plan released Thursday to address the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Gov. Doug Burgum today announced the 2021 Governor’s Awards for Excellence in Public Service, recognizing team members for their dedicated work in state government and making a positive difference in the lives of North Dakota citizens during an extremely challenging year.

The North Dakota Department of Commerce today announced that the new 2021 Tourism Planning Grant application will open on Sept. 13, 2021.

The North Dakota Department of Commerce today announced the recipients of the 2021 Main Street Awards.  

Several North Dakotans will share their personal testimonies of battling addiction, finding recovery, providing support to a loved one and their experiences with shame and stigma at the fifth annual “Recovery Reinvented.” Registration is open for the event on Oct. 25 at the Bismarck Event Center. The experience will be hosted by Gov. Doug Burgum and First Lady Kathryn Burgum and will be free for both in-person attendees and online via livestream broadcast on recoveryreinvented.com.

The North Dakota State Hospital in Jamestown announced visitor restrictions today to protect the health and well-being of patients and staff. No visitors are currently allowed on campus.  

As COVID-19 cases grow in North Dakota, state residents may once again begin to experience disruptions at home, at school, at work and in the community.

As families prepare to enjoy North Dakota’s outdoor destinations over the Labor Day weekend, residents and visitors are encouraged to recreate responsibly by practicing fire safety. While recent moisture has provided some relief from fire starts over the past few weeks, dry conditions still persist in many areas of the state with 100 percent of North Dakota experiencing severe drought conditions.

President Joe Biden has approved Gov. Doug Burgum’s request for a presidential major disaster declaration for a series of storms in early June that caused overland flooding and produced damaging winds and hail, resulting in more than $2.3 million in damage to roads and other infrastructure. 

Gov. Doug Burgum has appointed judicial referee Lindsey Nieuwsma of Bismarck to a judgeship in the South Central Judicial District, effective Tuesday, Sept. 7.

A group of North Dakota firefighters will be traveling to Louisiana this week to assist with recovery efforts from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Ida. Gov. Doug Burgum has approved an Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), allowing a 6-person team from the Bismarck Rural and Williston Fire Departments to deploy equipment and personnel for operations along the Gulf Coast. An EMAC is an emergency response mechanism that allows states to send personnel, equipment and commodities to assist with response and recovery efforts in other states.

Gov. Doug Burgum and Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford today met with members of a Japanese business delegation to discuss opportunities for partnership and investment in North Dakota’s economy and advancing North Dakota’s carbon neutrality goal.

The North Dakota Department of Commerce announced today that the Innovation Technology Loan Fund (LIFT) Committee awarded $1.25 million to two North Dakota businesses for the month of August.

The Manitoba government has provided $7.5 million as its share of a capital infrastructure and facilities redevelopment plan at the International Peace Gardens (IPG) near Boissevain, matching funds provided by North Dakota’s government, Premier Brian Pallister and Gov. Doug Burgum announced today.

Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring announced that nine grants have been awarded totaling $4.9 million to foster the growth of the bioscience industry in North Dakota.

Gov. Doug Burgum has directed all government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff until sunset Monday, Aug. 30, and encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, in honor and remembrance of the U.S. servicemembers and other victims killed in the terrorist attack on Thursday, Aug. 26, in Kabul, Afghanistan. 

Gov. Doug Burgum and Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring announced today that the North Dakota Emergency Commission has approved $2.5 million to reactivate the Emergency Feed Transportation Assistance Program to help reimburse a portion of hay transportation expenses for eligible livestock producers who have lost feed supplies due to drought.

Gov. Doug Burgum released the following statement today after the terrorist attacks at the Kabul airport in Afghanistan in which 12 U.S. servicemembers were killed and 15 were injured, according to the Pentagon. 

The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department (NDPRD) is soliciting applications for the FY21 Land and Water Conservation Fund starting Wednesday, September 1 through Thursday, September 30, 2021.  

The North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) has partnered with agency KK Bold to develop an outreach effort for the citizens of North Dakota. This effort, referred to as the North Dakota COVID-19 Impact Wall, features a collection of stories about North Dakotans impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and will be promoted in a statewide campaign in the weeks to come.

Gov. Doug Burgum today issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approving the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for COVID-19 for ages 16 and up. The vaccine continues to be available under emergency use authorization for those ages 12 to 15.

Gov. Doug Burgum today appointed Wildlife Division Chief Jeb Williams to serve as the next director of the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, effective Aug. 24, citing his broad experience and leadership during his 22-year career with the agency. 

Gov. Doug Burgum released the following statement today after the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced it is extending restrictions on nonessential travel at the U.S.-Canada border for another month, until Sept. 21. Canada reopened its border to vaccinated U.S. citizens for nonessential travel on Aug. 9.

Gov. Doug Burgum and Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford today congratulated former Gov. Jack Dalrymple during a ceremony at North Dakota State University to rename the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station Research Greenhouse Complex as the Jack Dalrymple Agricultural Research Complex.

Gov. Doug Burgum today issued the following statement after Marathon Petroleum Corp. and ADM announced that Marathon will invest in ADM’s recently announced $350 million soybean processing plant at Spiritwood, N.D. The soybean crushing plant will provide soybean oil exclusively to Marathon’s renewable diesel facility in Dickinson.

The 2021 Main Street ND Summit scheduled for Oct. 12 and pre-summit event on Oct. 11 will provide an in-depth and interactive learning experience centered around infrastructure, while also providing a one-of-a-kind networking opportunity for those attending. 

Pandemic-related job losses and other financial hardships have had a domino effect in households’ finances, impacting the ability to pay rent or mortgages, utilities and other household expenses. It has also increased household debt and placed a financial burden on many housing providers.

The North Dakota Public Service Commission’s Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) Program is being recognized by the federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement for a project completed near Noonan, N.D. The award is given annually to honor the highest quality projects across the nation to reclaim abandoned coal mines. This is the third award since 2016 that the North Dakota AML Program has received.

Gov. Doug Burgum today thanked General Counsel Leslie Bakken Oliver for her service to the Governor’s Office and the State of North Dakota after she announced her retirement pending the transition to a new general counsel.

At the North Dakota State Water Commission meeting chaired by Governor Burgum on August 12, the Commission approved $95.9 million in cost-share requests. Of that total, $21.4 million was from Legislative appropriations included in the Department of Water Resources’ (DWR) budget bill, House Bill 1020, and $74.5 million was from the infrastructure bonding bill, House Bill 1431.  The Commission voted to approve funding for several municipal and rural water supply, flood control, and general water projects across the state. 

Gov. Doug Burgum issued the following statement today in response to the Biden administration’s statement suggesting OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) increase oil production to offset high fuel prices.

The North Dakota Water Commission today voted to set April 8, 2021, as the start date for eligible labor and material expenses that can be reimbursed through the state’s Drought Disaster Livestock Water Supply Program (DDLWSP).  In addition, the U.S. Drought Monitor released today shows the expansion of D3 (Extreme Drought) conditions into Richland County, making livestock producers in that county eligible for the DDLWSP.  As of today, all North Dakota counties are now eligible for assistance under the 2021 DDLWSP.

Gov. Doug Burgum today requested a presidential major disaster declaration for a series of storms in early June that caused overland flooding and produced damaging winds and hail, resulting in more than $2.3 million in damage to roads and other infrastructure. 

Gov. Doug Burgum today signed an executive order waiving hours of service restrictions for drivers of commercial vehicles transporting hay, water and livestock to help livestock producers battling extreme drought conditions across North Dakota.

Gov. Doug Burgum and First Lady Kathryn Burgum are inviting the public to share their thoughts on the current state of addiction and recovery by participating in the “North Dakota Addressing Addiction” survey.

The North Dakota Department of Commerce announced today that the Renaissance Zone Program for the city of Williston has been renewed for five additional years.

The North Dakota Department of Human Services has selected Kay Larson to lead the department’s new Early Childhood Division, which was created in July 2021 to align and focus programs and resources on a key department priority: early childhood experiences.

Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford, lawmakers, Team ND members, and early childhood service providers and advocates gathered at North Dakota’s Capitol in Bismarck today to raise awareness about why early childhood matters and to announce the launch of the North Dakota Department of Human Services’ Early Childhood Division. Speakers also announced several new developments supporting quality early childhood experiences for children ages zero to five.

Gov. Doug Burgum and Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford today applauded today’s vote by Great River Energy’s member cooperatives to approve the sale of Coal Creek Station near Underwood to Rainbow Energy Center LLC. The cooperatives also approved the sale of GRE’s high-voltage direct current system to Nexus Line LLC. Rainbow Energy Center and Next are both affiliates of Bismarck-based Rainbow Energy Marketing Corp.

Gov. Doug Burgum today released the following statement in response to the COVID-19 guidance released this week by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding fully vaccinated individuals.

Housing instability is an issue that affects both rural and urban areas of North Dakota. Low- and moderate-income renters in North Dakota who are struggling to pay rent can now get help applying for the ND Rent Help program, which offers up to 12 months of help with past due, current and future rent to prevent evictions and promote stable housing, and which can also connect renters to other helpful resources.

Gov. Doug Burgum today appointed North Dakota Parks and Recreation Director Andrea Travnicek to lead the state’s Department of Water Resources, subject to approval by a majority of the members of the State Water Commission on Friday, July 30. The governor also appointed eight members to the State Water Commission with broad experience in water supply, flood protection, engineering and other water issues. 

Fort Stevenson State Park is pleased to host an evening of entertainment in the Garrison Bay Marina on Saturday, July 31. Since 1958, Club de Skinautique, out of Bottineau, has amazed spectators with their water show featuring trick skiing, pyramids, and jumps. Join us as we welcome these talented individuals to Lake Sakakawea. Following the water ski show, stay and listen to the music of the featured band Classic Rhythm! Wrap up your night with the lighted boat parade. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy. 

Gov. Doug Burgum today sent a joint letter with the governors of Montana and Idaho and the premiers of Saskatchewan and Alberta urging the federal governments of the United States and Canada to work together and reach an agreement to reopen the international border immediately.

North Dakota is still in drought status. When rainfall is sparse, salts and other naturally occurring chemicals become more concentrated and can even reach toxic levels. Therefore, the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality recommends livestock producers test their water sources and monitor them throughout the grazing period. Depending on those results, testing may be more frequent. The North Dakota State University Veterinary Diagnostic Lab provides livestock water testing and microscopic identification of blue-green algae, salinity, nitrates, sodium, sulfate, bacteria, and a host of other parameters. Information on how to collect water samples and water quality laboratories is located at https://tinyurl.com/stockwatertesting.

Gov. Doug Burgum today welcomed positive news regarding the state’s two-year budget cycle that ended June 30. Preliminarily figures indicate a positive balance of more than $1 billion in the general fund for only the second time in state history.

The North Dakota Department of Commerce today announced that Bowman County Development Corporation has been selected for the 2021 Artists on Main Street Program. 

Gov. Doug Burgum released the following statement today after the Biden administration extended restrictions on nonessential travel at the U.S.-Canada border for at least a month, until Aug. 21. The decision comes two days after Canada announced it would reopen its border to vaccinated U.S. citizens for nonessential travel on Aug. 9.

Gov. Doug Burgum today appointed North Dakota Game and Fish Department Deputy Director Scott Peterson to serve as interim director of the department until a new director is named. Current Game and Fish Director Terry Steinwand is retiring July 31 after more than 15 years as director and nearly 40 years with the department.

The North Dakota Department of Commerce today announced five projects totaling $731,044, were awarded AmeriCorps funding. 

"AmeriCorps is dedicated to helping with community needs across North Dakota,” Commerce Workforce Division Director Katie Ralston said. “I’m proud to announce new funding that will elevate this work by AmeriCorps members across North Dakota. I appreciate all our AmeriCorps members – past, present, and future – for their dedication.” 

Gov. Doug Burgum today presented North Dakota’s highest citizen honor to the state’s first Olympic gold medal winners, officially inducting twin sisters and hockey stars Monique Lamoureux-Morando and Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson into the Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Hall of Fame. 

The North Dakota Department of Commerce today announced that registration for the 2021 Main Street ND Summit is now open. 

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum today issued a statement in support of Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem’s legal challenge to a federal ban on new oil and natural gas leasing on public lands. Stenehjem filed the lawsuit Wednesday against the federal government, including the Department of the Interior and its Bureau of Land Management.

Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency (USDA-RMA) announced that agricultural producers with crop insurance can hay, graze or chop cover crops on prevent plant acres for silage, haylage or baleage at any time and still receive 100% of the prevented planting payment. Previously, cover crops could only by hayed, grazed or chopped after Nov. 1 on prevent plant acres, or the prevented planting payment was reduced.

Governor Doug Burgum has proclaimed July Lakes Appreciation Month in North Dakota. North Dakota invokes images of the Badlands, wheatfields, and even oil wells. People certainly think of the Missouri River and the recreational opportunities it provides. Still, they may be surprised to learn that North Dakota has about 4,500 lakes—of which 450 are accessible to the public.

Gov. Doug Burgum and Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford today applauded the sale of Coal Creek Station to Rainbow Energy Center LLC as a landmark moment for the future of energy production in North Dakota and the culmination of more than a year of determined efforts by the administration and others to save the state’s largest power plant, preserving critical baseload power and hundreds of jobs.

Gov. Doug Burgum today signed an executive order expanding the membership of the Northern Plains Unmanned Systems Authority to include members with technology and transportation expertise to support operations of the state’s beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) network.

The North Dakota Department of Commerce announced today that two companies were approved a total of $847,000 in loan and venture funds through the North Dakota Development Fund (NDDF) during the second quarter of 2021.

The North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) announced today that it has confirmed the delta variant of the COVID-19 virus has been detected in North Dakota. The case occurred in an adult who was not hospitalized.

Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring has appointed Dr. Ethan Andress as the state veterinarian and the animal health division director at the North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDDA).

The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) and North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department (NDPRD) have partnered to replace and install various signs to promote recreational opportunities across the state. This project is designed to increase visibility of North Dakota state parks and help guide visitors to parks and recreational areas.  

The North Dakota Department of Commerce today announced that the letter of intent for Main Street Initiative Artists on Main Street Program is due this Friday.  

Gov. Doug Burgum today joined local, state and federal officials in Fargo to celebrate the signing of a $569 million federal Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan for the FM Area Diversion Project, as well as the selection of the Red River Alliance as the Public-Private Partnership (P3) developer for the project.

North Dakota will observe Juneteenth under a new state law Saturday, after the Legislature passed and Gov. Doug Burgum signed legislation in April designating June 19 as Juneteenth in North Dakota.

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum met today with representatives of agricultural groups in Fargo to highlight economic opportunities for farmers related to carbon capture, utilization and storage, and to discuss the state’s ongoing drought situation.

 The North Dakota Department of Commerce today announced that the application window for the Technical Skill Training Grant is anticipated to open on June 15. 

The North Dakota Department of Commerce announced today that the Innovation Technology Loan Fund (LIFT) Committee will begin accepting applications on June 11, 2021.  

In the wake of recent record-setting high temperatures in the state, the North Dakota Department of Human Services announced it is operating a cooling assistance program through September 2021 for qualifying lower-income households.

Gov. Doug Burgum will present the North Dakota Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award to Olympic gold medalists and advocates Monique Lamoureux-Morando and Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson on Wednesday, July 14, in Grand Forks, N.D., where the Lamoureux twins grew up, played for the University of North Dakota women’s hockey team and live today.

Gov. Doug Burgum today thanked members of the State Water Commission for their service and announced the eight appointed Commission positions are now open for applications.

The North Dakota Department of Commerce today announced that funds remain available for the Travel Agent and Tour Operators Grant (TATO). 

The North Dakota Department of Human Services, through its eight regional human service centers, has launched a comprehensive behavioral health crisis response system to provide help and support 24-hours a day, seven days a week to North Dakotans who are experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge, or other emotional situation. The initiative also includes crisis response services for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities through the Life Skills and Transition Center (LSTC) in Grafton.

Gov. Doug Burgum today kicked off the fifth annual Governor’s Summit on Innovative Education, highlighting recently passed legislation that paves the way for personalized learning and thanking educators for their work through the pandemic.

Gov. Doug Burgum today appointed Nathan A. Davis of Belcourt, a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa and descendant of the Spirit Lake Nation, to serve as executive director of the North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission.

Gov. Doug Burgum is seeking applicants to serve on North Dakota’s Medical Marijuana Advisory Board, after the state Legislature changed the makeup of the board with the passage of House Bill 1359, effective Aug. 1, 2021.

Gov. Doug Burgum will welcome teachers, students, school administrators and community leaders to the fifth annual Governor’s Summit on Innovative Education on Monday, June 7, at the Bismarck Event Center and virtually.

Gov. Doug Burgum today urged U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan to support federal investment in research and innovation – including carbon capture, storage and utilization in the coal, oil and gas, and ethanol industries – as the path forward for meeting America’s carbon management goals.

Once fully implemented, it will help prevent evictions and build greater financial stability.

BISMARCK, N.D. – In the final days of the recent North Dakota legislative session, lawmakers authorized access to almost $352 million in federal resources to transform the state’s Emergency Rent Bridge (ERB) into a more comprehensive rental assistance program. Called ND Rent Help, the program will aid more North Dakotans with the goal of helping restore their economic well-being and housing stability.

Gov. Doug Burgum and Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford today joined officials from Bakken Energy LLC and Mitsubishi Power Americas Inc. as they announced a strategic partnership agreement to establish a world-class clean hydrogen hub in North Dakota.

The North Dakota Department of Commerce today announced that the Events and Support Services Grant (ESSG) application window will open June 10, at 10 a.m. CST. 

The North Dakota Department of Commerce today announced that the Travel Agent and Tour Operators Grant (TATO) application window will begin June 1, at 10 a.m. CST. 

Nominations for the 2021 Governor’s Main Street Awards, a program of North Dakota’s Main Street Initiative (MSI), are now being accepted through Aug. 13, 2021. 

Gov. Doug Burgum today appointed University of North Dakota student Gracie Lian to a one-year term as the student representative on the state Board of Higher Education.

The North Dakota Department of Human Services and partner agencies are recognizing National Foster Care Month in May 2021, which honors foster parents for providing safety, stability and support to children and youth in foster care, while also serving as mentors to children and families in crisis.

Gov. Doug Burgum today thanked Terry Steinwand Director North Dakota Game and Fish Department for his more than 15 years of transformational leadership of the agency, after Steinwand announced his retirement effective July 31.

Gov. Doug Burgum today announced that the Bismarck Legacy High School Wind Ensemble and Larimore High School Senior Choir have been selected as the 2021 Governor’s Official State Band and Choral Programs.

In a phone call today with U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, Gov. Doug Burgum highlighted opportunities to help meet the nation’s energy needs in a sustainable way through research and development of carbon capture, storage and utilization (CCUS) technology by the oil and gas, coal and biofuel industries.

Gov. Doug Burgum today addressed attendees at the Williston Basin Petroleum Conference, thanking oil and gas operators for their positive impact and resiliency through the COVID-19 pandemic and challenging the industry to help make North Dakota a carbon-neutral state by the end of the decade.

North Dakota will terminate its participation in the federal government’s pandemic-related unemployment assistance programs, effective June 19, to help address the ongoing workforce shortage across the state, Gov. Doug Burgum announced today.

Gov. Doug Burgum today joined ADM in announcing plans to build North Dakota’s first dedicated soybean crushing plant and refinery in Spiritwood, N.D. The $350 million crush and refining complex will create 70 permanent jobs and have the capacity to process up to 150,000 bushels of soybeans per day. It’s expected to be completed prior to the 2023 harvest, according to ADM.

Gov. Doug Burgum and the North Dakota Tourism Division, in partnership with AAA of North Dakota and North Dakota Council on the Arts, have launched the 2021 North Dakota Governor’s Photo Contest for Travel and Tourism.

Gov. Doug Burgum today announced that positions on the State Health Council are open for applications after the governor accepted the resignations of the council’s current members, thanking them for their service and contributions to the health and well-being of North Dakotans.

The North Dakota Department of Commerce and the State Historical Society of North Dakota unveiled a new concept for expanded services for visitors at the Chateau de Mores Visitor Center in Medora today.  

Gov. Doug Burgum has signed an executive order granting an hours of service waiver for drivers of commercial vehicles transporting anhydrous ammonia and other fertilizers.

As far as travel trends go, we’ve seen a road trip renaissance throughout this pandemic. Driving in a personal vehicle is the safest way to get around and experts say to look for a continued rise in road trips this year. In conjunction with the road trip trend is the growing desire to visit rural destinations. According to Forbes, “search data showed that nearly 90 percent of overall searches in 2020 were for trips to rural areas. 

Gov. Doug Burgum has appointed State Labor Commissioner Erica Thunder to serve as interim executive director of the North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission.

Gov. Doug Burgum and First Lady Kathryn Burgum are inviting the general public to join them for Recovery Reinvented on Oct. 25, 2021, at the Bismarck Event Center. The event will be free and open to the public. A robust, online experience also will be available to all.

North Dakota is funding infrastructure, education and other priorities, putting the Legacy Fund to work for current and future generations, and maintaining healthy reserves without raising taxes, Gov. Doug Burgum said today after the 67th Legislative Assembly adjourned its regular session sine die.

The North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) emphasizes the importance of prevention measures and vaccinations to reduce the risk of transmitting SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The increase in the number of active cases since early March, the emergence of new variants, and the increase in the number of hospitalizations highlight the fact that this virus is still circulating in our state.

People prefer to remain living at home and in their communities as they age and their abilities change, however finding caregivers and support can be a challenge – especially in rural areas.

Representatives of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara (MHA) Nation, state legislators and other elected officials joined Gov. Doug Burgum today for the signing of Senate Bill 2319, which provides a framework for the state and MHA Nation to share tax revenue from oil wells that straddle the boundary of the Fort Berthold Reservation.

Gov. Doug Burgum today signed Senate Bill 2144, making North Dakota the first state in the nation to allow electronic posting of private land and giving landowners another option for posting their private property.

The North Dakota Department of Human Services has selected Minot native John Butgereit (Butt-grrr-ite) as regional director of its North Central Human Service Center in Minot.

Gov. Doug Burgum released the following statement today after signing House Bill 1247, which directs the state Department of Health and Department of Human Services to unite into the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, effective Sept. 1, 2022.

Gov. Doug Burgum welcomed figures released by the U.S. Census Bureau today showing that North Dakota’s population hit a record high of 779,094 residents on April 1, 2020, and the state had the fourth-highest growth rate in the nation by percentage, growing by 15.8% from 2010 to 2020.

Gov. Doug Burgum today signed a proclamation designating North Dakota as a “Second Amendment Sanctuary State,” reinforcing the state’s support for the constitutional right to keep and bear arms.

Gov. Doug Burgum today signed legislation creating a Clean Sustainable Energy Fund to support low-emission technology projects and help provide a long-term, viable path forward for the state’s critical energy industry.

Gov. Doug Burgum today signed House Bill 1431, praising the $680 million bonding package as an economically sound tool to support infrastructure upgrades across North Dakota including flood control, roads, bridges, water projects and an agricultural facility – all with using Legacy Fund earnings and without raising taxes.

Gov. Doug Burgum has directed all government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff, and encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, as a mark of respect for the service of former Vice President Walter Mondale, who died Monday at age 93.

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister today announced the Essential Worker Cross-Border Vaccination Initiative, where North Dakota will administer COVID-19 vaccinations to Manitoba-based truck drivers transporting goods to and from the United States. This is the first such program between a Canadian and American jurisdiction.

Gov. Doug Burgum today signed House Bill 1435, which will cover the cost of health insurance for surviving spouses and dependents of emergency responders who die in the line of duty.

Gov. Doug Burgum has directed all government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff until sunset Tuesday, April 20, and encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, in honor and remembrance of the victims of Thursday’s shooting in Indianapolis.

Gov. Doug Burgum today released the following statement after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ decision to allow the Dakota Access Pipeline to continue operations while an environmental impact statement (EIS) is completed.

Gov. Doug Burgum today applauded an announcement by U.S. Sen. John Hoeven that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is awarding a nearly $67 million contract to West Fargo-based Industrial Builders Inc. for the Interstate 29 grade raise portion of the Fargo-Moorhead Area Diversion Project.

Gov. Doug Burgum issued the following statement today regarding President Biden’s executive action on guns.

Gov. Doug Burgum and Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring announced today that the State Water Commission has reactivated the Drought Disaster Livestock Water Supply Project Assistance Program, as the governor declared a statewide drought disaster for extremely dry conditions across North Dakota.

Gov. Doug Burgum today signed House Bill 1425, which sets targets for investing a greater portion of the Legacy Fund principal in North Dakota and requires that the State Investment Board (SIB) give preference to qualified investment firms with a presence in the state.

Gov. Doug Burgum today visited Billings County to survey areas damaged by a wildfire that broke out Thursday, thanking the firefighters and emergency services personnel from more than 20 agencies who fought the blaze and successfully kept it from reaching the city of Medora, which had been evacuated as a precaution. 

Gov. Doug Burgum has directed all government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff until sunset Tuesday, April 6, and encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, as a sign of respect for the service and sacrifice of the victims of today’s attack at the U.S. Capitol.

Gov. Doug Burgum today visited Billings County to survey areas damaged by a wildfire that broke out Thursday, thanking the firefighters and emergency services personnel from more than 20 agencies who fought the blaze and successfully kept it from reaching the city of Medora, which had been evacuated as a precaution. 

Gov. Doug Burgum today declared a statewide wildfire emergency, enabling the North Dakota National Guard to deploy two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters to help fight a Billings County wildfire that has prompted the evacuation of the city of Medora.

As extreme drought conditions continue to spread across North Dakota, Gov. Doug Burgum today placed the North Dakota National Guard on standby to provide help if additional resources are needed to respond to a growing number of wildfires.

The National Governors Association (NGA) will collaborate with North Dakota and five other states on strategies for equitably meeting the social-emotional needs of students and families during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

The North Dakota Department of Human Services confirmed today, Tuesday, that while it works to support the resettlement of refugees and other individuals who are legally authorized to enter the country, the state has not accepted unaccompanied undocumented children from the United States’ southern border.

Gov. Doug Burgum today appointed Dave Krabbenhoft to lead the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DOCR). Krabbenhoft currently serves as the agency’s director of administration and has served as interim director since August 2020.

Gov. Doug Burgum is urging the federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to abandon its plan to change the Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) criteria, which would cause Bismarck and Grand Forks to lose their MSA designation and risk access to federal funding and information.

Gov. Doug Burgum today announced that Great River Energy (GRE) is in exclusive negotiations to sell Coal Creek Station and GRE’s high-voltage, direct current transmission system. If such a sale occurs, the buyer would continue to operate Coal Creek Station and GRE would not shut it down.

Gov. Doug Burgum this week signed legislation that caps a four-year collaborative effort to pave the way for authentic learning and flexibility in pathways for North Dakota students to achieve graduation.

Gov. Doug Burgum has directed all government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff until sunset Saturday, March 27, and encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, in honor and remembrance of the 10 victims of Monday’s shooting in Boulder, Colo.

In a letter today to U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Gov. Doug Burgum stressed his opposition to the transfer of detained migrants from the southern border to North Dakota being considered by DHS, as media have reported. While the White House has said there are no such plans, North Dakota’s homeland security director has requested a detailed briefing from DHS on the matter.

Gov. Doug Burgum has accepted the resignation of North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission Executive Director Scott Davis, effective April 30, thanking him for nearly 12 years of leadership in building state-tribal relations. Davis will leave Team ND to join Sanford Health as head of Native American outreach.

Gov. Doug Burgum is encouraging school, community and church bands, orchestras and choirs across North Dakota to apply to serve as the Governor’s Official State Band/Orchestra Program and Choral Program for the 2021-2022 school year.

Gov. Doug Burgum, in according with a proclamation issued today by President Joe Biden, has directed all government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff until sunset Monday, March 22, and encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, in remembrance of the victims of the March 16 shooting in the Atlanta metropolitan area.

The North Dakota Department of Commerce announced today that 22 companies were approved for a total of $3,156,757 of funds through the North Dakota Development Fund (NDDF) in 2020.

North Dakota’s travel and tourism industry has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. But as new reports show, North Dakota Tourism’s insightful and timely “follow your curiosity, not the crowds” messaging resonated with potential visitors.

The state Office of Management and Budget (OMB) today released a better-than-expected revised revenue forecast, putting the state in a strong position to achieve a fiscally conservative budget that holds the line on general fund spending, invests in priorities and maintains healthy reserves, all without raising taxes, Gov. Doug Burgum said.

Resuming a normal lifestyle safely as the COVID-19 daily positivity rate remains low and vaccination efforts grow is on the minds of many North Dakotans. The North Dakota Department of Human Services’ Behavioral Health Division has resources, supports and services available to help people who may be experiencing stress, anxiety and other emotions during this transition.

The oil and natural gas industry in North Dakota accounted for more than $40 billion in gross business volume, nearly 60,000 jobs and over $3.8 billion in state and local tax revenues in 2019, according to one of two studies released today that highlight the industry’s substantial impact on North Dakota’s economy.

Gov. Doug Burgum today signed his first bill of the 2021 legislative session, extending a pilot program that aims to ensure all justice-involved, at-risk tribal and non-tribal youth have access to similar services.

Gov. Doug Burgum today appointed Dr. Nizar Wehbi (Nee-zar Wee-bee) to serve as North Dakota’s State Health Officer, effective May 1. Wehbi currently serves as deputy director of the Center for Health Policy and assistant professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC).

The North Dakota Department of Commerce today announced that eight communities were selected to receive funding for round two of the Main Street Initiative (MSI) Partners in Planning (PiP) Grant with more than $122,000 to be awarded. 

March is National Women’s History Month and North Dakota Tourism is grateful for the contributions of women who are leaders in destination marketing in North Dakota.

Gov. Doug Burgum today appointed James Leiman to serve as state Commerce Commissioner, citing his extensive background in enhancing organizations and his effective leadership as the North Dakota Department of Commerce’s director of Economic Development and Finance (ED&F) since March 2018.

Today, the North Dakota Department of Human Services’ Children and Family Services Division announced new grant funding opportunities for agencies and professionals that will build North Dakota’s capacity to provide approved evidence-based Title IV-E prevention services to support family stability and prevent children from entering foster care. 

The North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (ND DOCR) has commenced COVID-19 vaccinations for staff and residents at each facility, including the Dakota Women’s Correctional and Rehabilitation Center (DWCRC) in New England. The vaccinations are completely voluntary and all facilities should have the first round of vaccinations completed by the end of the week.

The North Dakota Department of Human Services’ Behavioral Health Division announces grant funding opportunities for local government organizations, community nonprofit or private organizations and tribal nations to further suicide prevention efforts in the state. The 2021 North Dakota Suicide Prevention Grant Program will support the implementation of prevention efforts aimed at decreasing risk factors and increasing protective factors for groups at high risk for suicide.

Gov. Doug Burgum has directed all government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff until sunset Friday, Feb. 26, and encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, in memory of the more than 500,000 Americans lost to COVID-19, including 1,438 North Dakotans who have died with COVID-19. The governor’s directive is in accordance with a proclamation issued today by President Joe Biden.

The North Dakota Department of Commerce announced seven recipients of 2021 Main Street Tourism Expansion Grants.

The North Dakota Department of Commerce announced today that the Renaissance Zone Program for the city of Grand Forks has been renewed for five additional years.  

During a phone call today with the administrator of the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA), Gov. Doug Burgum urged the agency to give North Dakota utilities and their customers as much advance warning as possible before temporarily shutting off their electricity as directed by market operator Southwest Power Pool (SPP).

The North Dakota State Hospital in Jamestown has modified its on-site visitation guidelines following Gov. Doug Burgum adjusting the statewide COVID-19 risk level to low/green on Jan. 29.

Gov. Doug Burgum this week sent a letter urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to allow the Dakota Access Pipeline to continue operating as the Corps conducts a court-ordered Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) review on the pipeline.

The Innovation Technology Loan Fund (LIFT) Committee awarded $520,000 to two North Dakota businesses in February.

The North Dakota Department of Commerce today announced that the application window for round one of Operation Intern is now open until March 1, 2021. 

Frost buildup caused downed power lines in some areas of south-central North Dakota this week.

The North Dakota Department of Commerce announced today that the Renaissance Zone Program for the city of Gwinner has been renewed for five additional years.  

Gov. Doug Burgum today appointed Jeffry Volk of West Fargo to a four-year term on the state Board of Higher Education and reappointed Dr. Casey Ryan of Grand Forks to a second four-year term on the board.

Gov. Doug Burgum today signed an executive order directing state Cabinet agencies to determine the impacts of recent executive orders issued by the Biden administration on North Dakota’s energy industry and to identify opportunities to challenge federal overreach where necessary.

February is Winter Recreation month and a perfect time to experience North Dakota’s unique winter activities, including hiking, skiing, fishing and snowmobiling.

Outdoor activities don’t stop in winter, they just switch gears. Dirt, water and grass are replaced by ice and snow. Adventure-seekers will find the Pembina Gorge (www.ndtourism.com/pembina-gorge) a winter wonderland, with a series of trails for off-road vehicles, snowmobiles and foot traffic, and Frost Fire Park ski and snowboard area (https://frostfirepark.org/) for downhill skiing.

Strong, stable families are one of the North Dakota Department of Human Services’ key priorities. To help support that goal, the department’s Children and Family Services Division launched a new web-based portal that will allow parents, other caregivers, agencies, tribal social services and others to apply on behalf of children to determine eligibility for approved Title IV-E prevention services.

The North Dakota Department of Commerce today announced that 12 communities are recommended to receive funding from round two of the Main Street Initiative Vibrancy Grant with a total of $16,500 to be awarded.

The North Dakota Department of Commerce today announced that the Hospitality Economic Resiliency Grant (HERG) application window for round two will begin on Feb. 4 at 10 a.m. CST and will close on Feb. 25 at 5 p.m. CST.

Two committees of the North Dakota Brain Injury Advisory Council will meet next week to discuss various topics relating to brain injury, behavioral health and legislative activities.

The Legislative Committee of the North Dakota Behavioral Health Planning Council will meet Jan. 29 from 11 a.m. to noon CT by video conference. The public is welcome to attend.

Gov. Doug Burgum released the following statement today after President Joe Biden signed an executive order directing the U.S. Department of the Interior to suspend new oil and natural gas leasing on public lands “to the extent possible” for an unspecified length of time.

The North Dakota Department of Human Services’ Medical Services Division is seeking public comment on a renewal of its Medicaid 1915(c) waiver for medically fragile children. 

The North Dakota Department of Commerce today announced that the application window for round two of the Main Street Initiative (MSI) Partners in Planning (PiP) Grant will be open from Jan. 29 through Feb. 17. 

The North Dakota Department of Human Services has received final approval of the Medicaid 1915(i) State Plan Amendment from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), creating opportunities to expand community-based behavioral health services. The department plans to have the program available for Medicaid members who qualify by Feb. 16, 2021.

Lower-income North Dakotans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to supplement their food budget are temporarily receiving some extra help. 

Gov. Doug Burgum today announced that the North Dakota Department of Human Services (DHS) intends to temporarily administer the federally funded refugee resettlement program in North Dakota to preserve in-state control of the program after Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota (LSSND) announced it is unexpectedly closing its doors and will no longer manage the program.

Gov. Doug Burgum released the following statement today after President Joe Biden revoked the permit for the Keystone XL pipeline.

Gov. Doug Burgum today applauded the federal government’s decision to sign the Record of Decision for the Eastern North Dakota Alternate Water Supply (ENDAWS) project, clearing the final hurdle in the environmental review process and allowing construction of the project to proceed. The decision was signed by the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation.

Gov. Doug Burgum has directed all government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff until sunset Wednesday, Jan. 13, and encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, as a sign of respect for the service and sacrifice of U.S. Capitol Police Officers Brian Sicknick and Howard Liebengood, and all Capitol Police officers and law enforcement across the nation.

Gov. Doug Burgum today delivered his 2021 State of the State Address, reflecting on the substantial progress and historic challenges of the past year and calling for bold action and investments in infrastructure and other priorities to position North Dakota for an even brighter future.

Gov. Doug Burgum today announced the state’s participation in CyberStart America, an innovative, online cybersecurity competition sponsored by the National Cyber Scholarship Foundation and SANS Institute. The competition encourages high school students to explore their aptitude for cybersecurity and computer science with a chance to win prizes and scholarships. Registration is open and play begins today. The competition runs through Feb. 28, 2021.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao today announced that the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) has been selected as one of eight participants in the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) BEYOND Program.

Calling it “an exciting day for North Dakota,” Gov. Doug Burgum joined officials in Fargo today as technology company Amazon.com Inc. announced the construction of its first fulfillment center in North Dakota, bringing more than 500 full-time jobs to Fargo with a state-of-the-art operation to pack and ship customer purchases.

Gov. Doug Burgum and Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford today welcomed White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx back to North Dakota for an update on the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and continuing efforts to save lives and livelihoods.

Gov. Doug Burgum along with North Dakota Tourism Director Sara Otte Coleman, North Dakota Council on the Arts Executive Director Kim Konikow and AAA of North Dakota Director Gene LaDoucer today presented the winning submissions from the 17th annual North Dakota Governor’s Photo Contest by live virtual event due to coronavirus social distancing protocols.

The North Dakota Department of Human Services’ Money Follows the Person (MFP) Program stakeholders are gathering for a special meeting on Oct. 21, from noon to 2 p.m. Central Time, to discuss new supplemental federal funding available to support North Dakota’s efforts to strengthen in-home and community-based services for individuals with disabilities.

The North Dakota Department of Human Services has proposed several amendments to its Medicaid State Plan to expand access to behavioral health services for individuals eligible for traditional Medicaid coverage.

The North Dakota Department of Commerce today announced that the agency was awarded $694,317 through the U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship State Expansion Grant.  

Competitive grants are now available to K-12 school districts for developing and improving the availability of distance or remote learning techniques and technologies, Gov. Doug Burgum announced today.

Gov. Doug Burgum today joined U.S. Sen. John Hoeven and other officials for the opening of the new U.S. Indian Police Academy Advanced Training Center at the North Dakota National Guard’s Camp Grafton training facility near Devils Lake, praising the project as key to meeting law enforcement needs in Indian Country and making communities safer.

The North Dakota Department of Human Services is joining partners in observing Long-Term Care Residents’ Rights Month this October and promoting this year’s theme: Connection Matters. In support, Gov. Doug Burgum has issued a proclamation.

In September, North Dakota had 12,700 job openings. * Connecting employers and job seekers is vital to the state’s ongoing economic recovery.

Gov. Doug Burgum today announced that North Dakota will soon be launching intermodal rail service – the culmination of more than two decades of effort to gain access to intermodal transportation to reduce shipping costs for the state’s agricultural producers and other industries.

The North Dakota Department of Human Services’ Behavioral Health Division, through collaboration with the North Dakota Sheriffs and Deputies Association, the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the North Dakota Highway Patrol, recently launched NDTip, an anonymous statewide tip system that connects North Dakotans with their local sheriff’s department or highway patrol to report underage substance use.

Gov. Doug Burgum today announced the recipients of the 2020 Main Street Awards honoring communities and individuals who demonstrated excellence in elevating the three pillars of the Main Street Initiative through local projects or other efforts

Gov. Doug Burgum released the following statement today regarding former U.S. Sen. Mark Andrews, who passed away Saturday, Oct. 3, at age 94. Andrews represented North Dakota in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1963 to 1981 and in the U.S. Senate from 1981 to 1987.

Gov. Doug Burgum, in partnership with the Economic Development Association of North Dakota (EDND), presented the Governor’s Choice Economic Development Awards today during the Main Street ND Summit.

Gov. Doug Burgum today kicked off the third annual 2020 Main Street ND Summit, delivering opening remarks about building community resiliency and announcing two new tools to aid communities with planning and development.

President Donald Trump has approved Gov. Doug Burgum’s request for a presidential major disaster declaration for the impacts of a severe summer storm that caused flash flooding in several counties and resulted in more than $5 million in damage to roads and other infrastructure. 

A U.S. Army identification tag belonging to a soldier from North Dakota who lost the tag when he was wounded by a grenade in the Vietnam War more than 50 years ago was returned to the soldier’s widow today after the tag resurfaced in Russia.

Media personality and addiction specialist Dr. Drew Pinsky and New York Times best-selling author David Sheff will be featured speakers at the annual “Recovery Reinvented” event on Oct. 28. Gov. Doug Burgum and First Lady Kathryn Burgum will host the fourth annual event, which will be held via livestream broadcast on recoveryreinvented.com.

Gov. Doug Burgum today accepted the resignation of Interim State Health Officer Dr. Paul Mariani, thanking him for his leadership of the North Dakota Department of Health (NDDOH) and appointing NDDOH Chief of Staff Dirk Wilke to fill the role until a replacement can be named.

Gov. Doug Burgum today presented the 2020 Governor’s Awards for Excellence in Public Service, recognizing team members for their dedicated work in state government and making a positive difference in the lives of North Dakota citizens during an extremely challenging year.

Gov. Doug Burgum and State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler announced today that Kristi Reinke, a social studies teacher at Jim Hill Middle School in Minot, has been named the 2021 North Dakota Teacher of the Year.

Gov. Doug Burgum has approved an Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) request from the state of Oregon for a firefighter task force to support the response to suppressing the deadly wildfires there. An EMAC is an emergency response mechanism that allows states to send personnel, equipment and commodities to assist with response and recovery efforts in other states.

First Lady Kathryn Burgum will participate in a White House roundtable discussion on recovery-friendly workplaces from 1 to 3 p.m. CT Thursday, Sept. 3. The session, titled “Recovery at Work: Celebrating Connections,” will focus on how employers, state and local governments, and other community leaders have joined hands to expand employment opportunities for Americans in recovery.

The North Dakota Department of Commerce today announced that three communities in eastern North Dakota were recommended to receive funding from the Main Street Initiative Vibrancy Grant.

Gov. Doug Burgum and Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford welcomed U.S. Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette to North Dakota today, highlighting the importance of Minot Air Force Base’s nuclear mission and the state’s coal, oil and natural gas industries to the United States’ economic and national security.

Gov. Doug Burgum issued the following statement today after the Army recommended that the U.S. Department of Justice should engage in settlement talks over North Dakota’s claim that the federal government should reimburse the state for $38 million in costs related to the Dakota Access Pipeline protests. 

Gov. Doug Burgum today requested a presidential major disaster declaration for a severe summer storm that caused flash flooding in several counties and resulted in more than $5 million in damage to roads and other infrastructure. 

Gov. Doug Burgum issued the following statement today after the North Dakota Supreme Court upheld Senate Bill 2134, which he signed into law in 2017. The legislation, introduced by then-state Sen. Kelly Armstrong, provides an appropriate process for the state Board of University and School Lands (Land Board) to refund money to owners of oil and gas mineral rights under Lake Sakakawea (outside of MHA Nation) where the state had incorrectly assumed ownership. Burgum was named as a defendant in the lawsuit along with the North Dakota Industrial Commission, the Land Board and Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem.

A recording of today’s four-part Special Business Briefing that provided step-by-step instruction on the Economic Resiliency Grant (ERG) application process is now available online for those who were not able to join the call due to technical issues with state emails.

Gov. Doug Burgum has directed government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff through today, July 18, and encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, as a mark of respect for the memory and public service of U.S. Rep. John Lewis, who passed away Friday at age 80.

The Innovation Technology Loan Fund (LIFT) Committee awarded $1.5 million to two North Dakota businesses for the month of July.

Gov. Doug Burgum today released the following statement after the White House’s Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) released its final rule modernizing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations for the first time in more than 40 years.

Gov. Doug Burgum today appointed Fargo attorney Joseph Wetch Jr. to a four-year term on the state Board of Higher Education.

Gov. Doug Burgum released the following statement tonight after the White House announced that President Donald Trump has granted the governor’s request for a presidential major disaster declaration for widespread spring flooding estimated to have caused roughly $40 million in damage to roads and other public infrastructure in North Dakota.

The North Dakota Department of Commerce will be leading a Special Business Briefing call Thursday, July 9, at 11 a.m. (CST) introducing the new Economic Resiliency Grant (ERG) available to North Dakota businesses, as approved by the Budget Section at its June 25 meeting. 

Gov. Doug Burgum issued the following statement today after U.S. District Court Judge James Boasberg ordered the Dakota Access Pipeline to shut down by Aug. 5 while an environmental impact statement is completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.