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Gov. Doug Burgum issued a statement in response to a letter from the U.S. Air Force citing a “significant threat to national security” from the proposed Fufeng Group corn milling project in Grand Forks. The letter, sent to U.S. Sens. John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer from the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force, states the Air Force’s concerns about the project.

Gov. Doug Burgum submitted a letter urging the National Park Service (NPS) to maintain a herd of wild horses at Theodore Roosevelt National Park, noting their significance to tourism, the local economy and the history of the park and its namesake.

In accordance with a proclamation issued by President Joe Biden, Gov. Doug Burgum has directed all government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff until sunset Thursday, Jan. 26, and encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, as a mark of respect for the victims of Saturday’s shooting in Monterey Park, Calif.

Gov. Doug Burgum issued a statement calling on the Biden administration to withdraw its final Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule, warning that the rehashed Obama-era regulations would create confusion, add red tape and lead to higher consumer prices.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced the appointment of Judge Douglas Bahr to the North Dakota Supreme Court, effective Feb. 1.

Gov. Doug Burgum issued an executive order creating an Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee to receive and distribute funds received under settlement agreements and recommend how they should be used by local governments.

Gov. Doug Burgum delivered his 2023 State of the State Address, calling for significant infrastructure investment, highlighting opportunities to diversify and grow the economy in agriculture, energy and other sectors, and emphasizing the need to address the state’s workforce challenges and provide tax relief to North Dakotans hit by higher costs for food, fuel and other necessities. 

Gov. Doug Burgum welcomed the latest estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau that show North Dakota’s population reached a new all-time high of 779,261 residents as of July 1, 2022.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced the appointment of Governor’s Office Chief Operating Officer Tammy Miller, former CEO of Border States, to succeed Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford as lieutenant governor of North Dakota. Miller begins her new role on Jan. 3.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced the resignation of Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford, thanking him for his six years of outstanding service to the citizens of North Dakota. Sanford’s last day in office will be Jan. 2.

Gov. Doug Burgum signed an executive order granting a waiver of hours of service requirements for drivers of commercial vehicles transporting propane, gasoline, diesel fuel and heating oil.

Gov. Doug Burgum and Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford marked the completion of their sixth year in office, reflecting on a year of addressing workforce challenges and other priorities, making progress on diversifying the economy and adding value to farm commodities, and supporting key developments in the state’s energy industry.

The North Dakota Capitol and other state facilities in the Bismarck area are closed Friday, Dec. 16, due to the ongoing blizzard and hazardous travel conditions. As of 6:30 a.m., no travel was advised across all of North Dakota, with road closures affecting several major highways.

Gov. Doug Burgum signed an executive order banning the social media app TikTok from state-owned devices issued by executive branch agencies, citing growing national security concerns.

Gov. Doug Burgum issued an executive order declaring a statewide winter storm disaster for central and southeast North Dakota related to a Nov. 9-11 storm that dropped record snowfall on parts of the state, shutting down schools, clogging roadways and knocking out power to thousands.

Gov. Doug Burgum delivered his 2023-25 Executive Budget Address to the 68^th Legislative Assembly, presenting a strategic budget that includes nearly $170 million to address the state’s workforce shortage, increased support for K-12 education and teacher salaries, and over $3 billion for roads, bridges, water projects and other critical infrastructure – all while cutting individual income taxes to save taxpayers an estimated $500 million over two years.

Gov. Doug Burgum has directed all government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff on Wednesday, Dec. 7, and encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, in observance of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

Gov. Doug Burgum and the chairpersons of the five tribal nations with whom North Dakota shares geography completed the signing of new tribal-state gaming compacts, which now go to the U.S. Department of the Interior for final approval.

Gov. Doug Burgum directed all government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff until midnight Nov. 29, and encouraged North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, in honor and remembrance of U.S. Rep. Donald McEachin of Virginia, who died Monday at age 61.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced the appointment of Bismarck attorney Nathan Svihovec to lead the North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights, citing his extensive experience representing both public and private employers and employees at the state and federal levels. Svihovec will begin his new role as state labor commissioner on Thursday, Dec. 1.

Gov. Doug Burgum and First Lady Kathryn Burgum encourage the public to join them for music, carols and a holiday reading at the 41^st annual North Dakota State Christmas Tree lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, in Memorial Hall at the Capitol.

Gov. Doug Burgum unveiled the official portrait of International Music Camp founder Dr. Merton Utgaard, who was posthumously honored in July as the 47th recipient of the North Dakota Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award, the state’s highest commendation for its citizens.

North Dakota Supreme Court Justice Gerald W. VandeWalle, the longest serving justice in state history, informed Gov. Doug Burgum that he will retire Jan. 31, 2023, after more than six decades of service to the State of North Dakota, including 44 years on the Supreme Court and 27 years as chief justice.

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.

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement in observance of Veterans Day, noting the United States continues to be a shining beacon of freedom for the world because of the service and sacrifice of military veterans and the families who support and serve alongside them.

The North Dakota Capitol and other state facilities in the Bismarck area are closed today due to deteriorating travel conditions as a winter storm bears down on the state. Nearly all of North Dakota remains in a blizzard warning or winter storm warning.

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

Gov. Doug Burgum has submitted final drafts of new tribal-state gaming compacts for review, after months of negotiations with the five tribal nations with whom North Dakota shares geography.

Gov. Doug Burgum and First Lady Kathryn Burgum will welcome Halloween trick-or-treaters on Monday at the Governor’s Residence, continuing a long-standing tradition.

North Dakota law enforcement agencies participating in a joint detail as part of the American Governors’ Border Strike Force recently seized more than 50 pounds of illegal drugs, including enough fentanyl to kill hundreds of thousands of people.

Gov. Doug Burgum, Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford and members of North Dakota’s Workforce Development Council (WDC) released a package of proposals to address the state’s workforce challenges during a press conference on the final day of the 2022 Main Street ND Summit.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced proposed investments in community development to help cities attract and retain workforce as he kicked off the 2022 Main Street ND Summit with a keynote address at the Bismarck Event Center.

Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement regarding the passing of former North Dakota House Majority Leader Earl Strinden of Grand Forks, who died Tuesday at age 90. Strinden served in the Legislature from 1966 to 1988 and as CEO of the University of North Dakota Alumni Association from 1969 to 2000, establishing the UND Foundation in 1978 as the fundraising arm of the university.

Gov. Doug Burgum participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for the Grand Farm Innovation Facility near Casselton, highlighting how the new home of Grand Farm will foster innovation in autonomous agriculture technology.

Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement after Talon Metals announced plans to build a facility in central North Dakota to process nickel and other minerals for batteries from raw ore mined in Minnesota, expanding domestic manufacturing of batteries for electric vehicles and the electrical grid.

Gov. Doug Burgum appointed North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) Deputy Director of Engineering Ron Henke to lead the department, citing his deep knowledge of the state’s transportation infrastructure, long history of service to the state and leadership on many key NDDOT initiatives over the years.

Gov. Doug Burgum thanked North Dakota Chief Information Officer (CIO) Shawn Riley for his transformational leadership and service over the past nearly six years after Riley resigned his position effective Dec. 2 to join the private sector.

Gov. Doug Burgum and Sumitomo Corp. President and CEO Masayuki Hyodo celebrated the recent signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the State of North Dakota and Sumitomo Corporation of Americas (SCOA), creating a partnership to evaluate and develop businesses within the energy transition market with the intent to accelerate decarbonization in North Dakota and beyond.

Gov. Doug Burgum has appointed Art Thompson as director of North Dakota Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI), effective Nov. 1, citing his leadership experience and background as both a team member and customer of WSI.

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum announced today he has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the governors of Minnesota, Montana and Wisconsin to develop a regional clean hydrogen hub to help meet the nation’s clean energy, transportation and agricultural needs.

Gov. Doug Burgum today led a delegation of North Dakota officials and business representatives on the first day of a weeklong trade and investment mission to Japan, highlighting the state’s many trade, investment and business opportunities in a presentation to the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and promoting the state during a reception with Japanese businesses at the U.S. Ambassador’s residence in Tokyo.

Gov. Doug Burgum joined Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte and the premiers of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta in a joint letter urging President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to restore pre-pandemic hours of operation at the U.S.-Canada land border ports.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced that due to demand, the public input period for the recently announced Red Tape Reduction Working Group is being reopened and will accept ideas from citizens through Oct. 10, 2022.

Gov. Doug Burgum joined leaders from the North Dakota Tribal College System to announce a new apprenticeship program developed in partnership with Hess Corporation to improve educational and employment opportunities for Native Americans across the state.

Gov. Doug Burgum welcomed a decision by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to temporarily expand operating hours at three ports of entry on the U.S.-Canada border in North Dakota.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced that Kathy Kulesa, longtime human rights director for the North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights, will serve as interim state labor commissioner effective Oct. 1.

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler announced that Ivona Todorovic, an English Language teacher at Red River High School in Grand Forks, has been named North Dakota’s 2023 Teacher of the Year.

Gov. Doug Burgum and First Lady Kathryn Burgum participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for the Turtle Mountain Recovery Center (TMRC) in Belcourt, highlighting the critically important role of recovery services in addressing the disease of addiction.

Gov. Doug Burgum congratulated Roosevelt Elementary School in Bismarck, Larimore Elementary School in Larimore and Linton Public School in Linton for being recognized by U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2022.

Gov. Doug Burgum and Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford announced the 2022 Governor’s Awards for Excellence in Public Service, recognizing team members for making a positive difference in the lives of North Dakota citizens through their dedicated work in state government.

Gov. Doug Burgum and Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford were joined by state legislators at a press conference in Fargo to announce a framework for legislation to address the availability, affordability and quality of child care services in North Dakota, which continues to be a major barrier to workforce participation.

Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement on the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

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, in honor and remembrance of Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, who died Thursday, Sept. 8, at age 96.

State and national addiction experts will share their insight into how to turn ”Advocacy into Action” at the sixth annual Recovery Reinvented, an event dedicated to ending the shame and stigma surrounding the disease of addiction. Registration is now open for the event Nov. 3 at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks. The experience will be hosted by Gov. Doug Burgum and First Lady Kathryn Burgum and is free for both in-person attendees and online via livestream broadcast at recoveryreinvented.com.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced that state Labor Commissioner Erica Thunder has resigned from the role, effective Sept. 30, to accept the newly created position of Director of Diversity and Cultural Competency at the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DOCR).

Gov. Doug Burgum appointed Josh Teigen, director of the Economic Development and Finance Division at the North Dakota Department of Commerce, to serve as the state’s next commerce commissioner, citing his experience as an entrepreneur and private sector leader and his leadership of Commerce’s largest division.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced that the integration of North Dakota’s Department of Health and Department of Human Services into one Health and Human Services (HHS) agency is effective Sept. 1, 2022.

Gov. Doug Burgum and North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission Executive Director Nathan Davis released statements regarding the University of North Dakota’s efforts to repatriate Native American remains and artifacts to their tribes of origin.

Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement after U.S. Sens. John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer shared their concerns with the governor and local leaders related to the proposed Fufeng Group corn milling project in Grand Forks. Last month, Burgum sent a letter asking the U.S. Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to expedite its review of Fufeng Group’s recent purchase of land in Grand Forks for the project.

Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement regarding President Biden’s student loan debt cancellation plan.

Gov. Doug Burgum, State Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus, House Tax Committee chairman Rep. Craig Headland and fellow legislators announced a landmark tax relief plan that would replace the state’s individual income tax rates with a single, lower flat tax, saving North Dakota taxpayers an estimated $250 million annually and eliminating the individual income tax burden altogether for nearly 60 percent of the state’s taxpayers.

Gov. Doug Burgum joined local, state and federal officials and community members to help break ground on a state-of-the-art soybean processing plant being developed near Casselton by North Dakota Soybean Processors LLC, highlighting the project as an example of ongoing efforts to shift processing of North Dakota’s raw farm commodities to within the state.

Gov. Doug Burgum issued an executive order creating a Red Tape Reduction Working Group to bolster ongoing efforts to identify antiquated, unnecessary and burdensome regulations, rules and policies that could be changed or eliminated to reduce burdens and lower costs for North Dakota citizens and the private sector and make state government more efficient, effective and nimble.

Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement calling for the Pledge of Allegiance to be administered in public schools and at meetings of elected governing bodies. The Governor's Office is working with state lawmakers to craft legislation for the 2023 session.

Gov. Doug Burgum thanked North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) Director Bill Panos for his impactful service to the state after Panos submitted his resignation effective Sept. 9, citing family obligations in his home state of California. Burgum announced NDDOT Deputy Director of Engineering Ron Henke will serve as interim director.

Gov. Doug Burgum today highlighted the benefits of the FM Area Diversion for the Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo metro area and the entire state of North Dakota during a groundbreaking ceremony for the 30-mile diversion channel, a key piece of the comprehensive flood protection project.

Gov. Doug Burgum has directed all government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff until midnight Thursday, Aug. 4, and encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, in honor and remembrance of U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski of Indiana. Walorski, 58, and two of her staff members died as a result of a head-on collision Wednesday, as did the driver of the other vehicle, according to the Elkhart County (Ind.) Sheriff’s Office.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced the late Dr. Merton Utgaard, award-winning musician, educator, and founder and long-time director of the International Music Camp, as the 47^th recipient of the North Dakota Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award, the state’s highest commendation for its citizens.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced the retirement of Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI) Director Bryan Klipfel effective Dec. 31, thanking him for his more than 13 years of exceptional leadership of the agency and nearly 46 years of dedicated service to the State of North Dakota.

Gov. Doug Burgum sent a letter to U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin asking that the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) conduct an expedited review of Fufeng Group’s recent purchase of land in Grand Forks for a wet corn milling plant.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced that the Cavalier County Job Development Authority (CCJDA) has executed binding agreements for international data center developer Bitzero Blockchain Inc. to acquire and redevelop the historic Stanley R. Mickelsen Safeguard Complex at Nekoma, N.D., commonly known as “The Pyramid.”

Gov. Doug Burgum announced an expanded partnership with the Cisco Networking Academy skills-to-job program called Skills for All that will be available to all residents in North Dakota.

Gov. Doug Burgum and Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford applauded the start of carbon storage operations at the Red Trail Energy LLC ethanol facility near Richardton, made possible by North Dakota being the first state in the nation to obtain regulatory authority from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency over Class VI underground storage wells in 2018.

Gov. Doug Burgum was elected to the National Governors Association’s Executive Committee during the NGA Summer Meeting in Portland, Maine – the first summertime gathering of the nation’s governors since 2019.

Gov. Doug Burgum welcomed news that President Joe Biden has granted a presidential major disaster declaration for severe spring storms and subsequent flooding that broke precipitation records, knocked out power to more than 10,000 residents and caused more than $57 million in damage across the state.

Gov. Doug Burgum and First Lady Kathryn Burgum are inviting the public to join them for Recovery Reinvented, an event dedicated to eliminating the shame and stigma of the disease of addiction, on Nov. 3, 2022, at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks. The event will be free and open to the public.

Gov. Doug Burgum is again calling on the federal government to restore pre-pandemic hours of operation at several ports of entry on the U.S.-Canada border where hours were reduced in April 2020.

Gov. Doug Burgum has directed all government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff until sunset Sunday, July 10, and encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, in honor and remembrance of former Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, who was assassinated today.

Gov. Doug Burgum released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced a notice of proposed rulemaking requiring states and municipalities to establish and enforce targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles.

Gov. Doug Burgum has directed all government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff until sunset Saturday, July 9, and encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, in honor and remembrance of the victims of yesterday’s shooting in Highland Park, Illinois.

Gov. Doug Burgum thanked Joe Morrissette, North Dakota Office of Management and Budget (OMB) director, for his more than four years of exceptional leadership of the agency, and nearly 30 years of dedicated service to the state of North Dakota, after Morrissette announced his retirement effective Aug. 31.

Gov. Doug Burgum released the following statement regarding the decision by the U.S. Supreme Court affirming the State’s role as an equal partner to the federal government in regulating greenhouse gas emissions from existing power plants.  

Gov. Doug Burgum released the following statement regarding the U.S. Supreme Court opinion issued today that effectively overturns Roe v. Wade and allows states to set their own laws related to abortion.  

Gov. Doug Burgum requested a presidential major disaster declaration for severe spring storms and subsequent flooding that broke precipitation records, knocked out power to more than 10,000 residents and caused more than $57 million in damage across the state.

Gov. Doug Burgum, Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford and Department of Human Services (DHS) Executive Director Chris Jones held roundtable meetings with child care providers and business leaders from across the state to discuss the impacts of North Dakota’s child care shortage and explore ways to increase access to child care to support caregivers, employers and economic growth.

Gov. Doug Burgum appointed entrepreneur Kevin Black of Minot and reappointed business consultant Danita Bye of Stanley to the North Dakota Board of Higher Education.

Gov. Doug Burgum participated in the grand opening of the new Mission and Network Operations Center (MNOC) for Vantis, the first-of-its-kind statewide network that supports unmanned aircraft system (UAS) operations in North Dakota beyond visual line of sight.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced that North Dakota Commerce Commissioner James Leiman has resigned from the position effective June 30 but will continue working for Commerce on a part-time basis to drive economic development projects in the state. Burgum has appointed Deputy Commerce Commissioner Shawn Kessel to serve as interim commissioner until a replacement for Leiman can be appointed.

Gov. Doug Burgum welcomed tribal members and other attendees to the fourth Strengthening Government to Government Partnerships and Relationships Conference, highlighting progress made through collaboration between the state and North Dakota’s tribal nations over the last two years and outlining challenges and opportunities to address in the upcoming legislative session and beyond.

Gov. Doug Burgum, cabinet leaders and representatives from the Governor’s Office met with Spirit Lake Nation Chairman Doug Yankton, Devils Lake Mayor Dick Johnson and U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer to discuss health care access, the rising elevation of Devils Lake and other issues important to the tribe and community.

Gov. Doug Burgum and fellow speakers at the sixth annual Governor’s Summit on Innovative Education emphasized the importance of equipping students with the essential skills for life and learning and ensuring that graduates are choice-ready for college, career or the military.

Gov. Doug Burgum and Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford joined officials from ADM and Marathon Petroleum Corp. (MPC) at the Spiritwood Energy Park to help break ground on the Green Bison Soy Processing plant, North Dakota’s first dedicated soybean processing plant, highlighting the project as an example of how partnerships between agriculture and energy are growing both sectors in North Dakota.

In a video conference call requested by Gov. Doug Burgum, the governor urged U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Chris Magnus to restore pre-pandemic hours of operation at several ports of entry on the U.S.-Canada border where hours were reduced in April 2020.

Gov. Doug Burgum along with Bitzero Strategic Investor Kevin O’Leary, Bitzero CEO Akbar Shamji, and Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara (MHA) Nation Chairman Mark Fox announced North Dakota as Bitzero’s headquarters and hub for all North American operations.

At the urging of Gov. Doug Burgum, Sanford Health President and CEO Bill Gassen indicated a willingness to gift the Good Samaritan Society building in Mott to the city instead of selling the skilled nursing facility, and to remove a deed restriction that would have prohibited the facility from being used for health care purposes.

Gov. Doug Burgum released the following statement honoring our nation’s fallen military heroes today in observance of Memorial Day.

Gov. Doug Burgum has directed all government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff until sunset Saturday, May 28, and encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, in honor and remembrance of the victims of today’s shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas.

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

Gov. Doug Burgum and National Foundation for Governors' Fitness Councils (NFGFC) Chairman Jake “Body by Jake” Steinfeld announced the three North Dakota schools that were selected to each receive a state-of-the-art $100,000 DON’T QUIT! Fitness Center.

Gov. Doug Burgum congratulated the City of Bismarck on its 150-year history and directed the lights of the Capitol to display the number 150 tonight to mark the capital city’s sesquicentennial year, which officially begins Saturday, May 14.

In accordance with a proclamation issued by President Joe Biden, Gov. Doug Burgum has directed all government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff from Friday, May 13, until sunset Monday, May 16, and encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, as a mark of respect and remembrance of the 1 million American lives lost to COVID-19.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced that the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) awarded $1 million to the North Dakota Department of Commerce through the EDA’s Statewide Planning program.  

Gov. Doug Burgum announced that the Bismarck Century High School Wind Ensemble and Jamestown High School Choir have been selected as the 2022-2023 Governor’s Official State Band and Choral Programs.

Gov. Doug Burgum has issued a proclamation declaring May 11-17 as Police Week in North Dakota and Thursday, May 12, as Peace Officers Memorial Day. The governor directed government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff on Thursday, and encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, in observance of Peace Officers Memorial Day.

Gov. Doug Burgum signed an executive order granting a waiver of hours of service requirements for drivers of commercial motor vehicles transporting all agricultural inputs, including dry fertilizer, liquid fertilizer, anhydrous ammonia, pesticides and seed, to assist producers in North Dakota who are facing a delayed spring and limited timeframe for planting and treating fields.

Gov. Doug Burgum surveyed flooding in northeast North Dakota, meeting with local leaders on flood response and recovery, including efforts to stabilize the Bourbanis Dam upstream of Cavalier.

Gov. Doug Burgum joined local, state and federal officials in Minot for a tour and ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of Phase MI-1, the Fourth Avenue North floodwall phase of the Mouse River Enhanced Flood Protection Project (MREFPP), highlighting the state’s significant investment in the project.  

Gov. Doug Burgum presented his strategic budget guidelines for the 2023-2025 biennium, highlighting the need for continued innovation, cost containment and efficiencies in state government as well as additional investment in employee compensation to address a highly competitive workforce environment and the highest inflation in more than 40 years.  

Gov. Doug Burgum announced that help is available through the North Dakota Department of Human Services for qualifying renters and homeowners impacted by the extended power outage in northwest North Dakota following the April 22-23 blizzard and ice storm.

Gov. Doug Burgum and Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford highlighted the benefits of reliable, affordable baseload coal power and innovative technologies such as carbon capture as they joined officials and workers at Coal Creek Station to celebrate the finalized sale of the coal-fired power plant and a related high-voltage transmission line.

Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement regarding the passing of North Dakota poet laureate Larry Woiwode, a 1992 recipient of the Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award, the state’s highest citizen honor.

Gov. Doug Burgum today signed an executive order granting a waiver of hours of service requirements to ensure carriers, contractors and rural electric cooperative workers to enter North Dakota to assist with the restoration of power to the affected areas in the State.

Gov. Doug Burgum has appointed Interim U.S. Attorney Nick Chase of Fargo to a judgeship in the East Central Judicial District.

After another round of severe weather brought blizzard conditions, heavy snow and ice to western North Dakota this past weekend, the state has enlisted unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) technologies to help restore services to residents and assist recovery efforts, Gov. Doug Burgum announced today in a joint release with the Northern Plains UAS Test Site (NPUASTS) in Grand Forks.

Gov. Doug Burgum met with local officials, residents and ranchers in Crosby and other parts of Divide County in far northwest North Dakota to survey infrastructure damage from last weekend’s severe spring storm and discuss how the state can help the area recover from widespread power outages.

Gov. Doug Burgum is urging U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to restore pre-pandemic hours of operation at several ports of entry where hours were reduced in April 2020.

Gov. Doug Burgum has declared a statewide emergency for flooding and widespread utility infrastructure damage caused by a severe winter storm last weekend that has left thousands of North Dakotans without electricity. The governor also has declared a disaster for areas impacted by record snowfall during the historic blizzard April 12-14 based on local costs incurred for snow removal.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced retired Air Force Gen. Craig McKinley as a keynote speaker for this year’s Summit on Innovative Education on June 9 at Dickinson Middle School.   

North Dakota First Lady Kathryn Burgum will share her personal journey from addiction to long-term recovery and her platform for eliminating the shame and stigma surrounding the disease of addiction at the 2022 Rx and Illicit Drug Summit in Atlanta.

Gov. Doug Burgum has signed a memorandum of understanding with 25 fellow governors to create the American Governors’ Border Strike Force to better address the humanitarian crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border and the negative effects of increased illegal immigration on public safety and crime in states including North Dakota.

Gov. Doug Burgum has directed the Capitol and other state facilities in the Bismarck area to remain closed through Thursday as a snow emergency remains in effect in the city of Bismarck and ongoing blizzard conditions continue to make roads impassable in areas throughout the city.  

Gov. Doug Burgum has directed the Capitol and other state facilities in the Bismarck area to remain closed through Wednesday after the City of Bismarck declared a snow emergency effective 7 p.m. today due to ongoing blizzard conditions.

Representatives from several state agencies including the Governor’s Office, North Dakota Information Technology (NDIT) and the Department of Emergency Services gathered to review the framework for responding to a potential major cybersecurity incident.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced that the Pembina Gorge Foundation has been awarded a nearly $2.2 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) for a snowmaking infrastructure improvement and expansion project at Frost Fire Park.

Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement after President Joe Biden announced plans to release more than 180 million barrels of oil from the nation’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve over the next six months.

Gov. Doug Burgum has directed all government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff until sunset Sunday, March 27, and encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, as a mark of respect for former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, who passed away Wednesday, March 23, at age 84.

Gov. Doug Burgum along with North Dakota Department of Commerce Workforce Director Katie Ralston Howe and Job Service North Dakota Executive Director Pat Bertagnolli announced that $15 million is available to address the state’s workforce needs through the newly created North Dakota Regional Workforce Impact Program (RWIP). 

Gov. Doug Burgum sent a letter to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Minister of Labour Seamus O’Regan asking them to take all action necessary to help prevent a work stoppage on Canadian Pacific Railway and protect the supply chain for North Dakota farmers and businesses.

Gov. Doug Burgum thanked the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) Board for revising its strategic plan to clarify that the agency won’t be discouraging or micromanaging local credit unions for lending activities related to the agriculture or fossil fuel industries.

Western Governors University (WGU) and the five community colleges within the North Dakota University System have signed a memorandum of understanding that will provide their graduates and staff with an affordable pathway to earning their bachelor’s or master’s degrees from WGU.

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 2022-2023 school year.

As COVID-19 trends continue to improve and the second anniversary of the first recorded case in North Dakota approaches, Gov. Doug Burgum announced that the State of North Dakota is preparing for a shift toward an endemic status in the future.

Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement after President Joe Biden announced a ban on the import of Russian oil, liquified natural gas and coal to the United States.

Gov. Doug Burgum reaffirmed North Dakota’s support for the Ukrainian people in a phone call with Serhiy Koledov, consul general of Ukraine in Chicago.

Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement after state Sen. Ray Holmberg of Grand Forks announced that he will retire from the Legislature when his current term ends Nov. 30. Holmberg has served in the Senate since Dec. 1, 1976, and is currently the longest-serving member of the Legislature in consecutive terms.

Gov. Doug Burgum joined 24 fellow Republican governors in calling on President Biden to unleash U.S. oil and gas production and restore American energy independence to protect U.S. consumers and help U.S. allies.

The State Investment Board (SIB) voted to divest of investments in Russian entities or securities issued by Russian entities, as board members learned that Russian investment exposure already has been reduced by more than one-third since Monday.

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts highlighted the importance of carbon capture and storage to U.S. energy security as Summit Carbon Solutions announced that Continental Resources Inc. will commit $250 million over the next two years to help fund the development and construction of Summit’s $4.5 billion carbon capture and sequestration project.

Gov. Doug Burgum issued a proclamation declaring March 2, 2022, a day of prayer for the people of Ukraine as they continue to defend against attacks by Russian armed forces.

Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement regarding President Joe Biden’s first State of the Union address.   

Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford, who chairs the State Investment Board (SIB) on behalf of Gov. Doug Burgum, has called a special meeting of the SIB to discuss Legacy Fund investments in Russia in light of the country’s continuing attacks on Ukraine.

Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement regarding Russia’s military attacks on Ukraine.

The North Dakota Board of University and School Lands (Land Board) voted to offer the position of Commissioner of the Department of Trust Lands to Bismarck attorney and investment manager Joseph Heringer.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced that the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils (NFGFC) has selected the state of North Dakota for its 2022 DON’T QUIT! Campaign.

Gov. Doug Burgum delivered his 2022 State of the State Address, highlighting the state’s efforts to address North Dakota’s workforce challenges and grow and diversify the economy.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced that the North Dakota Department of Commerce has selected the Grand Farm Education and Research Initiative for a $10 million matching grant to advance autonomous agriculture technology in North Dakota.

Gov. Doug Burgum joined officials at North Dakota State University to announce that the university’s six-year “In Our Hands” fundraising campaign raised a grand total of $586.7 million. The governor joined NDSU President Dean Bresciani, NDSU Foundation President John Glover, campaign co-chairs Robert and Sheila Challey and Steve and Mary Anne Swiontek, and others at the event.

Gov. Doug Burgum appointed Capital Electric Cooperative Inc. board chairwoman Sheri Haugen-Hoffart of Bismarck to an open seat on the three-member North Dakota Public Service Commission (PSC), effective immediately.

Gov. Doug Burgum has appointed former U.S. attorney and lieutenant governor Drew Wrigley to serve out the remainder of Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem’s term after his sudden passing on Jan. 28. The four-year term ends Dec. 31. Wrigley plans to take the oath of office at 9 a.m. Wednesday at the Capitol.

Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement after testing positive for COVID-19. The governor is fully vaccinated and has received his booster shot. 

Gov. Doug Burgum has signed an executive order extending for 30 days a waiver of hours of service requirements for drivers of commercial vehicles transporting propane.

Gov. Doug Burgum has directed all government agencies to continue flying the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff until sunset Thursday, Feb. 3, and encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, in honor of Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem and his more than four decades of service to the state.

Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement regarding the passing of longtime North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem. Stenehjem was the longest-serving attorney general in North Dakota history, having held the position for 21 years.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced he has appointed Pat Bertagnolli of Watford City to serve as executive director of Job Service North Dakota, effective Feb. 21, citing his extensive background in workforce recruitment, his experience in both the public and private sectors and his service on the state’s Workforce Development Council.

Gov. Doug Burgum will attend the National Governors Association (NGA) Winter Meeting Friday through Monday in Washington, D.C., as the bipartisan gathering of the nation’s governors takes place in person for the first time in two years.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced the construction of one of the largest data centers in the world near Williston as North Dakota continues to emerge as a hub for high-performance computing, including cryptocurrency mining.

Gov. Doug Burgum and Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring announced emergency measures designed to ease a shortage of truck drivers in the milk distribution industry that has affected schools, businesses and other customers.

Gov. Doug Burgum is urging the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) to remove language from its proposed 2022-2026 strategic plan that discourages credit unions from lending to farmers and ranchers.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced that he will deliver his rescheduled 2022 State of the State Address at 10 a.m. Feb. 16 at the Fargo Theatre in Fargo.

Gov. Doug Burgum has postponed his 2022 State of the State Address scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 19, in Fargo.

Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Biden administration did not have authority to impose a vaccine mandate on private businesses with 100 or more employees.   

Gov. Doug Burgum announced that Mandan attorney Ryan Norrell will serve as the next general counsel for the Governor’s Office, effective Feb. 28, citing his broad experience in both the private and public sectors, including as legal counsel for the North Dakota Public Service Commission (PSC) and as state’s attorney for LaMoure County.

Gov. Doug Burgum has directed all government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff Thursday, Jan. 13, and encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, in honor of former U.S. Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada on the day of his interment.

Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement after North Dakota House Majority Leader Chet Pollert of Carrington announced he will retire from the Legislature when his current term expires later this year. Pollert has served in the House of Representatives since 1999 and was selected as House majority leader in November 2018.

Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement after the North Dakota State University Bison football team earned a 38-10 victory over Montana State University to capture the national title for a ninth time in the NCAA’s Football Championship Subdivision.

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte have staked a friendly wager on Saturday’s NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) title game between the Montana State University Bobcats and the North Dakota State University Bison, who are vying for their ninth national title since 2011.

Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement after the sale of Coal Creek Station to Rainbow Energy Center LLC cleared its final regulatory hurdle. The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission unanimously approved the transfer of Coal Creek Station’s high-voltage direct current transmission line from Great River Energy (GRE) to Nexus Line LLC, a subsidiary of Rainbow Energy Center LLC. 

Gov. Doug Burgum signed an executive order granting a waiver of hours of service requirements for drivers of commercial vehicles transporting propane.

Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement regarding the passing of state Rep. George Keiser of Bismarck. A U.S. Army veteran and owner of Quality Printing Service, Keiser had represented District 47 in Bismarck since 1993 and served as a Bismarck city commissioner from 1988 to 1992.

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

Gov. Doug Burgum 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.

Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement after North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem’s announced 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. 

Gov. Doug Burgum and the North Dakota National Guard’s adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, visited the 125 soldiers from the Bismarck-based 957^th 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.

Gov. Doug Burgum and Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford 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.

Gov. Doug Burgum 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.

In accordance with an amended proclamation  from President Joe Biden, Gov. Doug Burgum has directed all government agencies to continue flying the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff through Saturday, Dec. 11, 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 Sunday.

Gov. Doug Burgum 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 issued a 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 Sunday, Dec. 5, at age 98.

Gov. Doug Burgum 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.

Gov. Doug Burgum and First Lady Kathryn Burgum encourage the public to join them for holiday readings, music and carols at the 40^th 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.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has granted his request for another extension of the hours of service waiver for drivers of commercial vehicles transporting water and livestock feed to help North Dakota livestock producers affected by continuing drought conditions.

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 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 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.

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

Gov. Doug Burgum 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 released a 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 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.

Gov. Doug Burgum 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.

Gov. Doug Burgum delivered his State of the State address to a special session of the 67^th Legislative Assembly, calling for investment of federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars and the state’s excess ending fund balance into infrastructure, tax relief, workforce, economic development and other priorities to move North Dakota forward.

Gov. Doug Burgum 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 a statement 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.

Seeking to minimize economic losses from this year’s historic drought, Gov. Doug Burgum has asked the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to help maintain access at boat ramps on Lake Sakakawea as the lake’s elevation is predicted to remain lower next spring due to this year’s historic drought.

The National Governors Association announced 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 a statement regarding the passing of Lynn Aas of Minot, a former state legislator and decorated World War II veteran who fought in the Battle of the Bulge.

Gov. Doug Burgum 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 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.

Halloween trick-or-treaters will be welcomed at the Governor’s Residence on Sunday afternoon, continuing a long-standing tradition.

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

Gov. Doug Burgum welcomed home about 70 members of Company C of the North Dakota National Guard’s 2-285^th 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.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has granted his request to extend an hours of service waiver for drivers of commercial vehicles transporting water and livestock feed to help North Dakota livestock producers affected by continuing drought conditions.

Gov. Doug Burgum and First Lady Kathryn Burgum will host the fifth Recovery Reinvented online Monday, Oct. 25, at the Bismarck Event Center and online at recoveryreinvented.com. The day will focus on sharing addiction and recovery stories, creating recovery-friendly cultures in the workplace and community and eliminating the stigma surrounding the disease of addiction.

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.

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 Monday, Oct. 18, at age 84.

Gov. Doug Burgum has directed all government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff on Saturday, Oct. 16, and encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, in honor of the National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service and to pay tribute to law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty and their families.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced the state will launch a search for a new executive director for Job Service North Dakota (JSND). The governor expressed his gratitude to North Dakota Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI) Director Bryan Klipfel, who has served as interim executive director of JSND since 2019 and will return to leading WSI full time.

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

Gov. Doug Burgum and the North Dakota Department of Commerce 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 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 a statement 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. 

Gov. Doug Burgum 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 21^st century workforce and attract new investment. 

Gov. Doug Burgum repeated his call for the Biden administration to address the humanitarian and security crisis at the U.S. southern border as he prepares to help send off 125 members of the North Dakota National Guard’s 957^th Engineer Company on Friday to a mission along the border.

Gov. Doug Burgum has directed all government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff on Sunday, Oct. 3, and encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service and Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend in North Dakota.

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

Gov. Doug Burgum 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 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.

Gov. Doug Burgum has 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.

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

Gov. Doug Burgum issued a statement as he joined North Dakota National Guard members and local residents to pay tribute to 9/11 victims and to honor the U.S. military members from North Dakota who have died in the Global War on Terrorism on the 20^th anniversary of the terrorist attacks.

Gov. Doug Burgum has directed all government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff on Saturday, and encourages North Dakota residents to do the same at their homes and businesses, in remembrance of those who perished 20 years ago in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

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

Gov. Doug Burgum 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.

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.

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.

Gov. Doug Burgum and Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford 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 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.

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 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.

BISMARCK, N.D. – 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 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 a statement 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 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 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.

Gov. Doug Burgum 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.

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

Gov. Doug Burgum has 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 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.

Gov. Doug Burgum and Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring announced that the State Water Commission has approved two new water supply programs and allocated an additional $2 million to the Drought Disaster Livestock Water Supply Project Assistance Program to help farmers and ranchers battling North Dakota’s worst drought conditions in at least 30 years.

 Gov. Doug Burgum and Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford applauded a 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 released a 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.

Gov. Doug Burgum 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.  

Gov. Doug Burgum 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.

Gov. Doug Burgum 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.

Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement 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 has 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.

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – 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 world champions Monique Lamoureux-Morando and Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson into the Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Hall of Fame. 

BISMARCK, N.D. – 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.

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum 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.

The Essential Worker Cross-Border Vaccination Initiative has reached a new milestone, with more than 2,500 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine given to Manitoba truck drivers in North Dakota, Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum announced. The program has been extended through July.

Gov. Doug Burgum issued a statement in observance of the 245th anniversary of America’s independence.

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.

Gov. Doug Burgum 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.

In a video call today, Gov. Doug Burgum urged U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to provide additional flexibility with Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres for North Dakota ranchers who are dealing with reduced feed availability due to extreme drought conditions across North Dakota.

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring will host town hall meetings Wednesday and Thursday with farmers, ranchers and other area residents in the Washburn, Rugby and Medora areas to discuss the challenges created by extreme drought conditions, review the state’s response and answer questions. More than two-thirds of North Dakota is in extreme or exceptional drought, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor.

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum met 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.

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

Gov. Doug Burgum 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 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 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.

Gov. Doug Burgum and Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford 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.

Gov. Doug Burgum has directed all government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff on Monday, May 31, until noon, and encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, in observance of Memorial Day.

In accordance with a proclamation issued by President Joe Biden, Gov. Doug Burgum has directed all government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff until sunset Sunday, May 30, and encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, in honor and remembrance of the victims of Wednesday’s shooting in San Jose, Calif.

Gov. Doug Burgum has directed all government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff on Wednesday, May 26, and encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, as a mark of respect for West Fargo Police Department Lt. Adam Gustafson, who died while on duty May 18 at the age of 40. 

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

Gov. Doug Burgum has directed the United States and North Dakota flags to remain at full staff on Saturday, May 15, Peace Officers Memorial Day, in accordance with an updated proclamation today from President Joe Biden. An earlier presidential proclamation had ordered the flags at half-staff.  

Gov. Doug Burgum issued a proclamation declaring May 9-15 as Police Week in North Dakota and Saturday, May 15, as Peace Officers Memorial Day. The governor directed all government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff on Saturday, and encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, in observance of Peace Officers Memorial Day.

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 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 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.

Gov. Doug Burgum has signed the remaining bills from the recently adjourned 2021 legislative session, signing the last five bills.

Gov. Doug Burgum 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 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.

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.

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 after the 67^th Legislative Assembly adjourned its regular session sine die.

Representatives of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara (MHA) Nation, state legislators and other elected officials joined Gov. Doug Burgum 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 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.

Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement 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.

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to vaccinate essential workers who are transporting goods across the United States and Canadian border. Approximately 2,000 Saskatchewan residents will be eligible for the program.

Gov. Doug Burgum has directed all government agencies to resume flying the United States and North Dakota flags at full staff. Flags have been flying at half-staff since April 20 in honor and remembrance of former Vice President Walter Mondale.

Gov. Doug Burgum welcomed figures released by the U.S. Census Bureau 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 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 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 signed legislation that creates common-sense liability protections to shield health care providers, businesses and others from frivolous claims related to exposure to COVID-19.

Gov. Doug Burgum signed legislation that provides tax relief for the state’s lignite coal industry as it continues to innovate for the future and supply reliable, low-cost electricity for residents and businesses in North Dakota and beyond.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced he will lift North Dakota’s COVID-19 emergency declaration on April 30 as the state continues to shift the focus of its pandemic response efforts to increasing vaccination rates.                                                    

Gov. Doug Burgum 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 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 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 released a 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) review is conducted.

Gov. Doug Burgum 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 a statement regarding President Biden’s executive action on guns, saying he stands united with the state's congressional delegation in opposition to actions that threaten the Second Amendment rights of North Dakotans.

Gov. Doug Burgum and Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring announced 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 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 has directed all government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff until midnight Wednesday, April 7, and encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, in honor and remembrance of U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings of Florida, who died April 6 at age 84.

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 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 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 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.

Gov. Doug Burgum has 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 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 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 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.

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 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 state Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 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.

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 new studies that highlight the industry’s substantial impact on North Dakota’s economy.

Gov. Doug Burgum successfully underwent hip replacement surgery on Friday, March 12.

Gov. Doug Burgum issued a statement as March 11, 2021, marks one year since the first COVID-19 case was identified in North Dakota.

Gov. Doug Burgum received his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as North Dakota reached another pandemic milestone with all counties now having health care providers serving the Phase 1C vaccine priority group.

With over 85 percent of North Dakota’s long-term care residents now fully vaccinated for COVID-19, Gov. Doug Burgum announced that the state will shift from state-driven guidance to locally driven decisions in basic care and assisted living facilities, while also providing testing supplies to all long-term care facilities as they transition to a post-vaccination phase.

Gov. Doug Burgum 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 appointed Dr. Nizar Wehbi 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).

Gov. Doug Burgum 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.

Gov. Doug Burgum participated in the National Governors Association (NGA) Winter Meeting, held in a virtual format, including a session with President Joe Biden that focused on pandemic response and ongoing efforts to distribute COVID-19 vaccines to every U.S. state and territory.

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.

Gov. Doug Burgum signed an executive order terminating several prior executive orders issued during the COVID-19 pandemic that have fulfilled their stated objectives and are no longer necessary.

During a phone call 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).

Gov. Doug Burgum and state Superintendent Kirsten Baesler announced Innovative Education Week, June 7-11, 2021. The content-rich week of events kicks off with the fifth annual Governor’s Summit on Innovative Education on June 7, featuring a keynote by Code.org CEO and co-founder Hadi Partovi.

Gov. Burgum issued a statement after Southwest Power Pool, whose 14-state electrical transmission area includes parts of North Dakota, declared an Energy Emergency Alert Level 3 and directed its member utilities to implement controlled interruptions of service to prevent further power outages.

Gov. Doug Burgum signed an executive order granting a waiver of hours of service requirements for drivers of commercial vehicles transporting propane, gasoline and diesel fuels.

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.

Gov. Doug Burgum 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 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.

Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement 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.

With active cases of COVID-19 in North Dakota at their lowest level since mid-August, Gov. Doug Burgum announced the statewide risk level is being adjusted from moderate/yellow risk to low/green risk, effective 8 a.m. Friday, Jan. 29.

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

Gov. Doug Burgum urged North Dakotans to remain vigilant against COVID-19 as the state’s case numbers continue a downward trend and the State Health Officer’s statewide mask requirement expires Monday, Jan. 18.

Gov. Doug Burgum 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 appointed Ramsey County State’s Attorney Kari Agotness of Devils Lake to a judgeship in the Northeast Judicial District, effective Feb. 1.

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 announced that North Dakota received an “A+” grade in the first two months of CyberStart America, an innovative, online cybersecurity competition sponsored by the National Cyber Scholarship Foundation and SANS Institute.

As announced earlier this week, Gov. Doug Burgum signed an amended executive order officially increasing the capacity limits for restaurants, bars and gatherings.

Gov. Doug Burgum 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. Video of the address is available here.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced he will sign an amended executive order lowering North Dakota’s statewide risk level for COVID-19 from high risk (orange) to moderate risk (yellow) and increasing the capacity limits for restaurants, bars and gatherings as active cases and hospitalizations due to COVID-19 have decreased in North Dakota.

Gov. Doug Burgum and Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford recently marked the fourth anniversary of being sworn into office, reflecting on progress made and historic challenges addressed during 2020 as they continued working with Team ND to empower people, improve lives and inspire success.

Gov. Doug Burgum issued a statement regarding former state Rep. Lyle Hanson of Jamestown, who passed away Wednesday, Dec. 23, at age 85. Hanson represented District 12 in the House from 1979 to 2012 and taught history at Jamestown Public Schools, where he also was the head track coach.

Gov. Doug Burgum issued a statement regarding former state Sen. Lonnie Laffen of Grand Forks, who passed away Wednesday at age 62. Laffen represented District 43 in the Senate from 2011 to 2018 and was co-founder and president of JLG Architects, a multi-state architecture firm headquartered in Grand Forks and recently selected to be the architect of record for the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in Medora. Laffen also had served on the Capitol Grounds Planning Commission chaired by Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford.

Gov. Doug Burgum signed an amended executive order paving the way for restaurants and bars to resume normal hours of operation as active cases and hospitalizations due to COVID-19 have decreased in North Dakota.

Gov. Doug Burgum signed an executive order temporarily suspending the minimum sales requirement for licensed automobile dealerships that have seen significantly lower demand for new and used vehicles during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gov. Doug Burgum has appointed Dr. John Warford of Bismarck to the state Board of Higher Education. Warford founded Warford Orthodontics in 1973 and served as mayor of Bismarck from 2002 to 2014. He then served as dean of the Gary Tharaldson School of Business at the University of Mary in Bismarck from 2014 to 2017.

Gov. Doug Burgum congratulated North Dakota Chief Information Officer Shawn Riley for receiving the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award for exemplary leadership and support of military members and veterans employed at North Dakota Information Technology (NDIT).

Gov. Doug Burgum announced he has reappointed all 16 Cabinet members as the administration enters its second term.

The State of North Dakota and the U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) have reached a settlement agreement that outlines actions the state will take to expand home and community-based care services and enable individuals with physical disabilities to live in the least restrictive setting possible, Gov. Doug Burgum announced today.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced that $2.48 million in emergency grant relief has been awarded to North Dakota education entities serving K-12 students and families to support all learners during the COVID-19 pandemic.

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and Interim State Health Officer Dirk Wilke today extended mitigation measures aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus and preserving hospital capacity as the state continues to see a significant number of COVID-19-related hospitalizations and deaths even as active cases decline.

Gov. Doug Burgum has directed all government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff on Monday, Dec. 7, and encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, in observance of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

Gov. Doug Burgum presented his 2021-23 Executive Budget to the 67^th Legislative Assembly, delivering a plan that holds general fund spending even, invests in priorities and leverages the state’s strong balance sheet to build critical infrastructure and provide North Dakotans with the high level of customer service they deserve and expect.

Gov. Doug Burgum released a message of gratitude in observance of Thanksgiving Day, thanking the state's health care workers, first responders and others for their ongoing efforts in the fight against COVID-19.

Gov. Doug Burgum and First Lady Kathryn Burgum will usher in the holiday season by holding a virtual North Dakota State Christmas Tree lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 1 via Facebook Live on the governor and first lady’s official pages.

Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement after the North Dakota Supreme Court issued its opinion on the filling of the pending vacancy in the District 8 House of Representatives seat resulting from the tragic death of candidate David Andahl.

The North Dakota Emergency Commission approved the reallocation of approximately $35 million in turned-back federal funding to support the state’s COVID-19 response, including $15 million to support medical staffing and nearly $14 million to support economic recovery.

North Dakota will receive approximately 60 U.S. Air Force medical personnel to assist in the state’s COVID-19 response after the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) granted the state’s request for federal assistance, Gov. Doug Burgum announced.

Winter sports practices and extracurricular activities in North Dakota will be allowed to resume Nov. 30 with extra precautions, while competitions will remain suspended until Dec. 14, Gov. Doug Burgum said in a joint announcement with House Majority Leader Chet Pollert and Senate Majority Leader Rich Wardner.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced several mitigation measures aimed at slowing the accelerating spread of COVID-19 in North Dakota in order to protect the vulnerable, ensure hospital capacity and keep schools and the economy open.

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum released a video message in observance of Veterans Day, thanking the state's more than 50,000 military veterans for their service to our nation.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced steps to help reduce the pressure on North Dakota hospitals and health care workers as a result of increasing hospitalizations for COVID-19 and other care needs.

North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission Executive Director Scott Davis will return to his regular duties after an investigation into allegations of misconduct resulted in a recommendation of no disciplinary action.

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 announced he is appointing Wade Boeshans to the unfilled North Dakota House of Representatives seat in District 8 resulting from the passing of candidate David Andahl less than one month before the general election.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced that $2.5 million in emergency grant relief has been awarded to North Dakota colleges and universities to support modified learning and workforce training enhancements during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gov. Doug Burgum 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 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 as technology company Amazon 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 First Lady Kathryn Burgum hosted the fourth Recovery Reinvented, a daylong virtual event focused on reinventing recovery through eliminating the stigma of addiction.

Gov. Doug Burgum and Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford  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 and First Lady Kathryn Burgum will host the fourth Recovery Reinvented online Wednesday, Oct. 28, at recoveryreinvented.com. The day will focus on eliminating the stigma of addiction, supporting innovation in virtual recovery support services and telehealth, illuminating the connection between mental health, addiction and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and inspiring employers to create recovery-friendly workplaces.

Gov. Doug Burgum signed an executive order granting a request from county auditors to allow processing of absentee ballots to begin on Oct. 29, ensuring that election workers have adequate time to verify voter information and ensure election integrity and timely results on Election Day.

The North Dakota Emergency Commission unanimously approved the reallocation of turned-back federal funding to support the state’s COVID-19 response and recovery efforts, directing nearly $221 million to K-12 school districts, cities and counties, businesses including the hospitality industry, hospitals, and other programs.

Gov. Doug Burgum placed North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission Executive Director Scott Davis on administrative leave, with pay, pending an investigation into allegations of misconduct. 

With active COVID-19 cases continuing to rise in North Dakota, Gov. Doug Burgum announced updates to the ND Smart Restart guidelines to help reverse the trend and reduce the spread of coronavirus in communities. 

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.

Gov. Doug Burgum 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.

Gov. Doug Burgum 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.

Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement 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 during the Main Street ND Summit.

Gov. Doug Burgum 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.

In honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service, Gov. Doug Burgum has directed all government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff on Sunday, Oct. 4, and encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses.

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.  

Gov. Doug Burgum and the North Dakota Department of Health (NDDOH) announced updated guidance for the quarantining of individuals who are identified as close contacts to COVID-19 positive individuals.

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 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.

The United States and North Dakota flags have been flown at half-staff since Sept. 19 in honor of the memory and longstanding service of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg. Interment for Justice Ginsberg is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 29. Accordingly, flags should be returned to full-staff at sunset Tuesday, Sept. 29.

State officials met with leaders of Bismarck’s two largest hospital systems this weekend to discuss the availability of beds for COVID-19 patients as the state and Bismarck-Mandan area in particular continue to see a surge in coronavirus cases and an overall increase in COVID and non-COVID hospitalizations.

Gov. Doug Burgum 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 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 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.

Gov. Doug Burgum has directed all government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff on Friday, and encourages North Dakota residents to do the same, in remembrance of those who perished in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced changes to the COVID-19 risk levels for 21 of North Dakota’s 53 counties under the ND Smart Restart plan, stressing the need to reverse the state’s upward trend of active coronavirus cases and positive test rate.

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.

Gov. Doug Burgum and Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford welcomed U.S. Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette to North Dakota, 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 a statement 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 expressed his gratitude after the Federal Emergency Management Agency approved North Dakota’s participation in the Lost Wages Assistance program created by President Donald Trump to ease the economic burden for those who have lost their employment because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Gov. Doug Burgum 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 and First Lady Kathryn Burgum welcomed the White House’s Coronavirus Response Coordinator, Dr. Deborah Birx, to North Dakota to discuss the state’s efforts to save lives and livelihoods in the fight against COVID-19.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced that North Dakota has applied to participate in the Lost Wages Assistance program created by President Donald Trump to ease the economic burden for those who have lost their employment because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced that North Dakota Commerce Commissioner Michelle Kommer is returning to the private sector, expressing his deep gratitude for her nearly four years of innovative problem-solving and tireless leadership for North Dakota’s business community.

Gov. Doug Burgum accepted the resignation of Dr. Andrew Stahl as interim State Health Officer, effective Aug. 31, thanking him for his service overseeing the North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) and his work as a member of the state’s COVID-19 response team since the beginning of the pandemic.

Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement regarding former state Sen. Bill Bowman, who passed away Saturday at age 75. Bowman represented District 39 in western North Dakota from 1991 to 2018.

Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement after U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler announced two final rules updating air regulations for the oil and gas industry, including the elimination of a redundant rule on methane emissions imposed by the previous administration.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced the launch of the new Care19 Alert smartphone app designed to notify users of possible COVID-19 exposure while protecting their privacy with technology developed by Apple and Google. 

Gov. Doug Burgum, together with the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DOCR), announced a new public resource that represents a huge step toward increasing the transparency of North Dakota’s criminal justice system.

Gov. Doug Burgum extended the renewal deadline for driver’s licenses that have expired during the COVID-19 emergency, while also announcing a new precision online learning tool for K-12 schools and families and launching a “Mask Up ND” campaign to encourage North Dakotans to wear face coverings to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Gov. Doug Burgum issued a statement after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ruled that the Dakota Access Pipeline can continue operating while the court considers whether the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers must prepare an environmental impact statement on the pipeline as ordered by a district court judge.

The North Dakota Emergency Commission unanimously approved a third tranche of federal funding to support the state’s COVID-19 response and recovery efforts, directing nearly $320 million to cities and counties, public health services, unemployment insurance and other programs.

Gov. Doug Burgum issued a statement 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. 

Gov. Doug Burgum announced the formation of a task force to prevent and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Burleigh and Morton counties including the Bismarck-Mandan metro area, which have seen sharp increases in COVID-19 cases recently.

Gov. Doug Burgum and state Superintendent Kirsten Baesler hosted the fourth annual Governor’s Summit on Innovative Education, highlighting the progress being made in North Dakota toward personalized, competency-based learning, the role that technology can play in those efforts, and the opportunity for innovation amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The fourth annual Recovery Reinvented, an event dedicated to eliminating the shame and stigma of the disease of addiction and empowering communities to support recovery, will be an online, interactive experience on Oct. 28, 2020.

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.

BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. Doug Burgum released a 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 and State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler released the K-12 Smart Restart guidelines to help North Dakota school districts plan for reopening this fall to provide a safe, high-quality educational experience for all students.

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

Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement 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.

Gov. Doug Burgum signed an executive order restoring the work registration and search requirements for individuals seeking unemployment benefits, effective July 26.

Gov. Doug Burgum issued a 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.

Gov. Doug Burgum issued a statement in commemoration of the 244th anniversary of America’s independence.

Gov. Doug Burgum encouraged North Dakotans to register for the 2020 Governor’s Summit on Innovative Education, announcing Khan Academy founder Sal Khan as a featured speaker. The summit will take place July 21 in a virtual format.

Gov. Doug Burgum signed an executive order that extends the renewal date for motor vehicle registrations and driver licenses that expired on or after March 1, 2020. The new renewal date is Aug. 31, 2020.

Gov. Doug Burgum a statement regarding the passing of Sister Thomas Welder, former longtime president of the University of Mary and 2004 recipient of the North Dakota Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award, the state’s highest commendation for its citizens.

The North Dakota Emergency Commission voted unanimously to direct over $406 million in federal funding to the state’s COVID-19 response and recovery efforts, with the majority of the money again going to support economic recovery.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced that the Valley City High School Senior Choir and Fargo Davies Wind Ensemble have been selected as the 2020 Governor’s Official State Band and Choral Programs.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced Olympic gold medalists and equity advocates Monique Lamoureux-Morando and Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson as the 45th and 46th recipients of the North Dakota Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award, the state’s highest commendation for its citizens.

Gov. Doug Burgum signed an executive order that modifies restrictions on visitation at long-term care facilities in North Dakota during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing for a phased approach to resuming visitation as outlined in the state’s Vulnerable Population Protection (VP3) Plan.

Gov. Doug Burgum has accepted the resignation of Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DOCR) Director Leann Bertsch, thanking her for her 15 years of transformational leadership as she leaves for the private sector, and appointed DOCR Director of Administration Dave Krabbenhoft as interim director of the department.

Gov. Doug Burgum, in consultation with State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler, has taken executive action to suspend four members of the Oberon School Board pending the outcome of an audit that was requested after criminal charges were filed against the members last week.

Gov. Doug Burgum has directed all government agencies across the state 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, from sunrise to sunset on Tuesday, June 2, in honor of Grand Forks Police Officer Cody Holte, who died in the line of duty Wednesday in a fatal shooting. Holte also served as a First Lieutenant in the North Dakota Army National Guard. Funeral services are scheduled for 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Ralph Engelstad Arena in Grand Forks.

Gov. Doug Burgum signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency in Fargo, West Fargo and Cass County and activating the North Dakota National Guard to help local authorities respond to unlawful activity and the risk to people and property due to civil disturbances.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced North Dakota is moving to the next phase of its ND Smart Restart plan, as the state continues to see a high rate of testing per capita, a low positive test rate and adequate hospital capacity to handle potential surges in COVID-19 cases.

Gov. Doug Burgum and Maj. Gen. Alan Dohrmann, adjutant general of the North Dakota National Guard, extended their condolences after the Grand Forks Police Department identified the officer killed Wednesday while responding to a shooting incident at an apartment building as Cody Holte, 29, who also served as a First Lieutenant in the North Dakota Army National Guard.

Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement after a Grand Forks Police Department officer was fatally shot today while responding to a shooting incident at an apartment building. A Grand Forks Sheriff’s Office deputy also was wounded in the incident, which claimed the life of a woman in the apartment and left the man authorities say initiated the shooting with gunfire injuries.

Gov. Doug Burgum appointed University of North Dakota Interim President Joshua Wynne to be the state’s chief health strategist and Dr. Andrew Stahl to serve as interim state health officer overseeing the North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH). The governor thanked outgoing State Health Officer Mylynn Tufte for her leadership of the NDDoH for over three years, including through the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Gov. Doug Burgum commemorated Memorial Day by delivering remarks during a virtual ceremony livestreamed from the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery near Mandan and in a video message as part of the virtual ceremony for the Fargo National Cemetery.

Gov. Doug Burgum requested a presidential major disaster declaration for widespread spring flooding estimated to have caused more than $40 million in damage to roads and other public infrastructure in North Dakota. The request follows an executive order Burgum issued April 24 declaring a statewide flood emergency.

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum issued a statement in response to reports on data and privacy related to the Care19 contact tracing app.

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

Gov. Doug Burgum has directed all government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff on Monday, May 25, until noon, and encouraged North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, in observance of Memorial Day.

Gov. Doug Burgum has directed government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff until sunset Sunday, May 24, and encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, as a mark of solemn respect for the victims of the coronavirus pandemic.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced that North Dakota will launch a new smartphone application using exposure notification technology developed by Apple and Google and made available to public health agencies to assist with COVID-19 contact tracing. The app, named Care19 Exposure, is expected to be available within the next two weeks.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced an emergency rule change that will allow residents of basic care facilities in North Dakota to keep the Economic Impact Payments provided as part of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced guidelines for large gatherings, banquets, ballrooms and event venues as part of the ND Smart Restart plan, while also outlining the plan as a phased approach to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gov. Doug Burgum met with President Donald Trump at the White House, highlighting the benefits of state-federal partnerships to North Dakota’s COVID-19 response and recovery efforts and the need for continued federal support to fully execute the state’s testing strategy.

Gov. Doug Burgum has directed government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff on Friday, May 15, 2020, and encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, in observance of Peace Officers Memorial Day.

The North Dakota Emergency Commission voted to utilize more than half a billion dollars in federal funding for North Dakota’s COVID-19 response and recovery efforts, with the majority of the money directed to support economic recovery.

Gov. Doug Burgum issued a statement after the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) pre-empted a Washington state law that effectively banned rail shipments of Bakken crude to refineries in that state.

Gov. Doug Burgum and State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler announced that beginning June 1, North Dakota schools will be allowed to host a number of activities, including summer school and college admissions testing.

Gov. Doug Burgum highlighted a new capability that will help North Dakota meet demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) during the coronavirus pandemic, as the state’s number of recovered COVID-19 cases surpassed the number of active cases.  

Gov. Doug Burgum appointed business consultant Danita Bye of Stanley to the state Board of Higher Education.

Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement after Great River Energy (GRE), a not-for-profit wholesale electric power cooperative providing power in Minnesota and Wisconsin, announced plans to retire its 1,151-megawatt (MW) coal generating power plant, Coal Creek Station, in Underwood, N.D., during the second half of 2022.

Gov. Doug Burgum was joined by local leaders in announcing a new Red River Valley COVID-19 Task Force to address an increasing concentration of COVID-19 cases in Cass County.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced his executive order directing schools to provide education via distance learning will remain in effect through the end of the current school year to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect students, staff and communities.

Gov. Doug Burgum presented his strategic budget guidelines for the state of North Dakota for the 2021-2023 biennium, with an emphasis on teleworking, process improvement, reduced facility costs and the use of technology for efficiencies to offset the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and a historic collapse in oil prices and tax revenues.

Gov. Doug Burgum signed an amended executive order providing additional guidance for businesses that are resuming or continuing operations under the “North Dakota Smart Restart” protocols developed in collaboration with the business community to address the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gov. Doug Burgum and Commerce Commissioner Michelle Kommer released “North Dakota Smart Restart” protocols for businesses resuming or continuing operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the state’s number of active cases declined with a record number of recoveries.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced he will lift restrictions that were placed on businesses to slow the spread of the coronavirus, while implementing new guidelines and standard operating procedures for businesses as they resume or continue operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.