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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.

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum issued an executive order declaring a statewide flood emergency for spring flooding that has caused an estimated $7 million in infrastructure damage so far.

Gov. Doug Burgum said North Dakota has received guidance that it can use the federal Coronavirus Relief Fund to help cover the surging costs of unemployment insurance as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gov. Doug Burgum and Maj. Gen. Alan Dohrmann, director of the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services, outlined a plan to significantly increase testing capacity for COVID-19, a critical component for protecting vulnerable populations and reopening businesses in the state.

Gov. Doug Burgum today appointed Andrea Travnicek to lead the North Dakota Department of Parks and Recreation, citing her extensive leadership experience and long history of resource management at the local, state and federal levels.

Gov. Doug Burgum released the following statement today after the Burleigh County State’s Attorney confirmed that the North Dakota Department of Commerce complied with state law during its most recent audit period.

A rapid response team that conducted testing Thursday at the LM Wind Power manufacturing plant in Grand Forks has confirmed 88 additional cases of the coronavirus disease, COVID-19, Gov. Doug Burgum said today.

Gov. Doug Burgum extended access restrictions on certain businesses for an additional 10 days and outlined a path forward for them to reopen as the number of COVID-19 cases in North Dakota continued to climb.

Gov. Doug Burgum and Chief Operating Officer Tammy Miller today outlined the finalized hospital surge plan for North Dakota, expressing confidence that the state has the hospital capacity it needs to handle a surge in COVID-19 patients if one should occur.

Gov. Doug Burgum signed an executive order allowing for changes necessary to maintain critical operations for vulnerable youths being served in Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities and Qualified Residential Treatment Programs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gov. Doug Burgum issued executive orders designed to help address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic for school districts, agribusiness, fuel retailers and others in North Dakota.

Gov. Doug Burgum and the North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) in partnership with ProudCrowd, creators of the popular Bison Tracker app, launched a free mobile app, Care19, to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in North Dakota. 

Gov. Doug Burgum signed two executive orders designed to slow the spread of COVID-19 in North Dakota and protect the most vulnerable from the coronavirus disease by limiting visitation to long-term care facilities.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced a new pilot project to expand COVID-19 testing and improve contact tracing to slow the spread of the coronavirus in North Dakota.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced that monetary donations and donations of personal protective equipment are being accepted to aid in the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gov. Doug Burgum signed an executive order waiving the mandatory one-week waiting period for unemployment benefits as claims continue to increase in North Dakota during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced that President Donald Trump has granted the governor’s request for a major presidential disaster declaration to make federal assistance available to support North Dakota’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced the activation of North Dakota’s Workforce Coordination Center (WCC) to serve emergency workforce needs in support of health care providers, industries and agencies affected by COVID-19.

Gov. Doug Burgum called on North Dakotans to take the coronavirus crisis seriously and step up social distancing efforts as the state Department of Health reported two additional deaths related to COVID-19.

Gov. Doug Burgum today thanked Vietnam veterans for their service and sacrifice, signing a proclamation declaring March 29 as Vietnam Veterans Day.

Gov. Doug Burgum has requested a major presidential disaster declaration to unlock federal assistance to support North Dakota’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gov. Doug Burgum expanded business closures in North Dakota to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus and protect public health, while also suspending payment of unemployment taxes to allow employers to focus on their businesses and employees during the COVID-19 crisis.

Gov. Doug Burgum released modified operating practices and an emergency grant program for child care providers to help them through the COVID-19 crisis and ensure that child care services are available for health, safety and other lifeline workers. The governor also signed an executive order giving counties the option of mail ballot-only elections to protect public health during the coronavirus emergency.

Gov. Doug Burgum signed an executive order extending worker’s compensation coverage to first responders and health care providers who contract COVID-19 on the job.

North Dakota has launched a rapid planning process to develop operating guidelines to ensure that child care is available for health care and other essential workers through the COVID-19 crisis, Gov. Doug Burgum said.

Gov. Doug Burgum urged North Dakotans to remain vigilant against the novel coronavirus as the state’s total number of COVID-19 cases reached 30.

BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. Doug Burgum today signed an executive order designed to help slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) and expand testing locations for North Dakotans.

Gov. Doug Burgum signed three executive orders to reduce regulatory burdens and improve services for North Dakota citizens to help them through the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.

Gov. Doug Burgum signed an executive order directing bars and restaurants to close to on-site patrons and issued additional guidance for K-12 schools to continue to educate students with alternative delivery methods beginning April 1 during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced that public access to state facilities, including the North Dakota State Capitol, will be restricted effective immediately until Monday, April 6, 2020.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced that K-12 schools which were closed this week by executive order will not have to make up the instructional time later this school year.

By executive order, Gov. Doug Burgum ordered the closure of North Dakota K-12 schools in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 based on guidance from public school superintendents, medical experts and the North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH).  

Gov. Doug Burgum declared a state of emergency for North Dakota in response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) public health crisis and issued guidance to K-12 schools with Superintendent of Public Instruction Kirsten Baesler and State Health Officer Mylynn Tufte.

Gov. Doug Burgum, in conjunction with the North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH), released recommendations for events and public gatherings in light of the spread of novel coronavirus disease, COVID-19.

The North Dakota Department of Health (NDDOH) has confirmed the state’s first presumptive case of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in a Ward County resident, Gov. Doug Burgum announced with health officials.

North Dakota First Lady Kathryn Burgum announced that 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 held Sept. 29 in Grand Forks.

The North Dakota Emergency Commission voted today to accept up to $6 million in federal funds to contain and mitigate the spread of the coronavirus disease, COVID-19.

Gov. Doug Burgum urged North Dakotans to take precautions to protect themselves and especially senior citizens and other populations who are particularly vulnerable to the coronavirus disease, COVID-19.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced the sponsors currently committed for Dakota Strike, a first-of-its-kind, multi-industry career expo aimed at addressing the state’s workforce shortage and highlighting the importance of 21^st century skills. The Dakota Strike career expo will take place April 8 at the Fargodome.

Gov. Doug Burgum appointed Mona Tedford Rindy of Portland, N.D., to chair the Board of Trustees of the North Dakota Public Employees Retirement System (NDPERS) and thanked outgoing chair Mark Dosch for his service.

Gov. Doug Burgum joined officials from Plug and Play to announce that the global innovation platform has selected Fargo as the site of its newest location, with a focus on agriculture technology. 

Gov. Doug Burgum and other state officials provided an update and highlighted statewide efforts in response to COVID-19. No cases have been reported in North Dakota and the risk remains low; however, ongoing community spread has been identified in multiple other states. North Dakotans play a key role in reducing the impact of COVID-19 in the state.

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 2020.

Gov. Doug Burgum has appointed Bismarck attorney Bobbi Weiler to a judgeship in the South Central Judicial District, effective in March 2020.

Gov. Doug Burgum attended a business session at the White House with President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and Cabinet secretaries following the conclusion of the National Governors Association’s annual Winter Meeting in Washington, D.C.

Gov. Doug Burgum will join more than 40 of the nation’s governors along with hundreds of business, nonprofit and government leaders, policy experts and others from around the world at the National Governors Association (NGA) Winter Meeting Friday through Monday in Washington, D.C.

Gov. Doug Burgum expressed his support for the priorities outlined by President Donald Trump in his 2020 State of the Union Address, including strengthening the economy through new trade agreements and energy independence, expanding workforce training initiatives and lowering the cost of health care.

Gov. Doug Burgum delivered his 2020 State of the State address in Grand Forks, calling for more action to address the state’s workforce shortage, highlighting recent progress on diversifying the economy and making North Dakota a more military-friendly state, and outlining a plan for Legacy Fund earnings that includes investing in property tax relief, infrastructure and transformational projects.

Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement after President Donald Trump signed the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

Gov. Doug Burgum today announced a first-of-its-kind, multi-industry career expo aimed at addressing the state’s workforce shortage and highlighting the importance of 21^st century skills such as computer science and cybersecurity in various career fields.

Gov. Doug Burgum welcomed the release of the Navigable Waters Protection Rule for providing greater clarity of the Waters of the United States for North Dakota farmers and ranchers, landowners, state agencies and others.

President Donald Trump has approved Gov. Doug Burgum’s request for a presidential major disaster declaration for the impacts of an October storm that dumped heavy rain and snow on a large swath of North Dakota and caused up to $9.7 million in damage to public infrastructure, according to preliminary assessments.

Gov. Doug Burgum signed an executive order waiving hours of service requirements, fees and certain load restrictions for drivers of commercial vehicles transporting livestock and hay supplies.

Gov. Doug Burgum has granted 16 pardons under a new policy allowing individuals with low-level marijuana offenses on their records to apply for a summary pardon through a streamlined application process.

Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement after President Donald Trump signed a Phase One Trade Agreement with China, calling it a major win for North Dakota farmers and ranchers.

Gov. Doug Burgum welcomed attendees to the third Strengthening Government to Government Partnerships and Relationships Conference, highlighting the significant collaboration with North Dakota’s tribal nations during the past three years and emphasizing the need to continue working together to overcome challenges.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced that Ryan Gardner will serve as interim director of the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department, effective Monday, Jan. 20.

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

Gov. Doug Burgum announced a first-of-its-kind event in April that will bring together local, regional and national partners involved in North Dakota’s K-20W Initiative to highlight the unique cybersecurity education effort and its goal of “Every Student, Every School, Cyber Educated.”

Gov. Doug Burgum applauded a proposal to modernize the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process to streamline permitting of infrastructure projects.

BISMARCK, N.D. – Preliminary reports indicate that North Dakota had 98 motor vehicle fatalities in 2019 – a total that, if it goes unchanged, would be the first time in 17 years the state has recorded fewer than 100 traffic fatalities. Gov. Doug Burgum thanked the agencies involved in the Vision Zero traffic safety initiative for making a difference and expanding their efforts during the past year.

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 762,062 residents as of July 1, 2019, an increase of 3,982 from last year’s revised estimate of 758,080. 

Gov. Doug Burgum released the following statement after longtime public servant Eliot Glassheim passed away Wednesday, Dec. 25.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced the resignation of North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department (NDPRD) Director Melissa Baker, thanking her for her leadership in promoting outdoor recreation and improving the accessibility of North Dakota’s state parks.

Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement after the House of Representatives voted to approve the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

Gov. Doug Burgum issued a statement after the U.S. Senate confirmed Devils Lake attorney Daniel Traynor to serve as a U.S. District Court judge for North Dakota.

Gov. Doug Burgum and Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford this week marked their third anniversary of being sworn into office, reflecting on meaningful strides made by state agencies and through collaboration with the Legislature, statewide elected officials, tribal nations and others as they seek to empower people, improve lives and inspire success.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced that manufacturing and business operations for the popular LulzBot brand of 3D printers are being relocated to Fargo after the business was acquired last month by longtime Fargo entrepreneur Ron Bergan.

Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement after the announcement that the United States and China have reached agreement on a Phase 1 trade deal and are beginning negotiations on a Phase 2 deal.

Gov. Doug Burgum has requested a presidential major disaster declaration for the impacts of an October storm that dumped heavy rain and snow on a large swath of the state and caused up to $9.7 million in damage to public infrastructure, according to preliminary assessments.

Gov. Doug Burgum and Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring have announced the availability of a program that will reimburse eligible producers for a portion of feed transportation expenses. The Emergency Feed Transportation Assistance Program will help producers who have verifiable feed losses as a result of extraordinary weather conditions this fall.

Gov. Doug Burgum will kick off the Western Governors’ Association’s 2019 Winter Meeting on Friday by highlighting progress on the Reimagining the Rural West Initiative, his central policy initiative as WGA Chair for 2019-2020.

Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement after reports that the House of Representatives has agreed to bring the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) forward for a vote.

The Governor’s Office shared information provided by the White House to ensure that accurate information is being used as local jurisdictions determine whether to consent to continued refugee resettlement.

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

Officials from nearly a dozen agencies, including the Governor’s Office, Department of Emergency Services (DES) and North Dakota National Guard, began planning efforts in anticipation of spring flooding after a record wet fall that has produced high river flows and left soils saturated heading into freeze-up.

Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement in observance of Thanksgiving Day, wishing all North Dakotans a Happy Thanksgiving filled with warmth and gratitude for beloved family, friends and food.

Gov. Doug Burgum and First Lady Kathryn Burgum encourage the public to join them for holiday readings, music and carols at the annual North Dakota State Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 5 in Memorial Hall at the Capitol.

In a letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Gov. Doug Burgum underscored the severity of North Dakota’s propane distribution and supply issue and requested that the FERC take further action to increase the supply of propane to the state.

Gov. Doug Burgum sent a letter of consent to Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo in response to an executive order issued by President Donald J. Trump on Sept. 26, 2019, concerning enhanced state and local involvement in refugee resettlement.

Gov. Doug Burgum submitted a letter seeking an extension for the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services to finish compiling local preliminary damage assessments for a presidential disaster declaration following historic fall flooding that has caused millions of dollars in damage to public infrastructure.

Gov. Doug Burgum welcomed a report from the nonpartisan watchdog organization Truth in Accounting that gives North Dakota top marks for financial transparency.

Gov. Doug Burgum issued a statement  after U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced it will maintain current hours of operation at the Maida port of entry on the North Dakota-Manitoba border but will proceed with plans to reduce hours at the Antler and Carbury border crossings.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced the state’s second year participating in an innovative, online cybersecurity competition and encouraged high school students to explore their aptitude for cybersecurity and computer science by registering.

https://justfive.org/Gov. Doug Burgum and First Lady Kathryn Burgum hosted the third Recovery Reinvented, a daylong event at the Bismarck Event Center focused on ways to reinvent recovery through eliminating the stigma of addiction, educating on the brain science of addiction and empowering recovery support in communities.

Gov. Doug Burgum shared gratitude and appreciation for veterans, North Dakota National Guard members and active duty servicemembers for the extraordinary acts they perform to protect our freedom and maintain peace through strength.

Gov. Doug Burgum and state Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring applauded the announcement that U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue has approved the governor’s request for a secretarial disaster designation for 47 of North Dakota’s 53 counties, making assistance available to farmers and ranchers struggling with the impacts of an early blizzard and abnormally wet fall.

Gov. Doug Burgum and First Lady Kathryn Burgum will host the third Recovery Reinvented event next week at the Bismarck Event Center, a day focused on advocacy, building recovery support in communities, creating recovery-friendly workplaces and eliminating the shame and stigma surrounding addiction.

To help ranchers struggling with abnormally wet conditions for this time of year, Gov. Doug Burgum signed an executive order waiving hours of service requirements, fees and certain load restrictions for drivers of commercial vehicles transporting hay and livestock.

Gov. Doug Burgum unveiled two reinvention success stories that highlight the administration’s shared values of Working as One and Citizen Focused: the continued expansion of a standardized state website platform and the planned deployment of a statewide photo and video digital asset management system.

Gov. Doug Burgum is urging U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) not to reduce hours of operation at three ports of entry on the North Dakota-Manitoba border.

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 fuel to retail suppliers.

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 Capitol. Gov. Doug Burgum and First Lady Kathryn Burgum will participate in the public tree lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 5.

Gov. Doug Burgum issued a proclamation honoring the 130^th anniversary of North Dakota’s statehood on Saturday, Nov. 2, and encouraged all North Dakotans to celebrate the state’s birthday.

Gov. Doug Burgum, working in cooperation with state Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring, North Dakota’s congressional delegation, the federal Farm Service Agency and agencies across state government, sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue requesting a secretarial disaster designation to make federal assistance available to agricultural producers struggling with extremely wet harvest conditions.

Gov. Doug Burgum received an update Thursday from TC Energy President and CEO Russell Girling regarding efforts to clean up oil that leaked from the company’s Keystone pipeline in northeast North Dakota.

Gov. Doug Burgum and First Lady Kathryn Burgum  welcomed the U.S. Surgeon General, Vice Admiral Jerome M. Adams, as a guest of honor on the second day of the 2019 Main Street ND Summit at the Bismarck Event Center.

As keynote speaker, Burgum welcomed guests attending the three-day summit and provided a Main Street Initiative overview and accomplishments spanning the last year, including hearing directly from five communities about how their projects have aligned with the three Main Street Initiative pillars: healthy, vibrant communities; smart, efficient infrastructure; and 21^st century workforce.

With extremely wet conditions, localized flooding and an early snowstorm impacting farmers, ranchers and many other individuals and communities across North Dakota, Gov. Doug Burgum and Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring continue to work to offer the state’s full support, pursue all federal assistance options and encourage friends and neighbors to reach out to each other.

BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. Doug Burgum today stressed to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue the seriousness of North Dakota’s record fall precipitation and flooding, its devastating impact on farmers and ranchers and the likely need for federal assistance.

Gov. Doug Burgum this morning signed an executive order declaring a statewide flood emergency, paving the way for requests for federal assistance to help North Dakotans deal with significant flooding impacts caused by heavy fall rains and a historic October blizzard.

Gov. Doug Burgum, Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring and other state officials will meet with local officials and community members on Monday, Oct. 21, in Fargo, Grand Forks and Jamestown and hold a townhall meeting in Fessenden to hear about the impacts of North Dakota’s unusually wet fall and last weekend’s record-breaking early snowstorm and to discuss the state’s response efforts.

Gov. Doug Burgum directed all government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff on Thursday, Oct. 17, and Friday, Oct. 18, and encouraged North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, as a sign of respect for the memory and longstanding public service of U.S. Rep. Elijah E. Cummings of Maryland, who passed away Oct. 17 at age 68.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced the 12 members of the newly established Children’s Cabinet, which will study and coordinate care for children across the three branches of state government and the tribal nations.

North Dakota’s State Emergency Operations Plan has been activated and state agencies are closely monitoring this winter storm in case local response capabilities become overwhelmed, Gov. Doug Burgum said.

The extensive wet pattern in North Dakota, topped with an early snowstorm, is creating a great deal of anxiety for farmers and ranchers. The state is exploring all possible means of assistance and encouraging those in emotional distress to reach out for help, Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring and Gov. Doug Burgum said  in a joint statement.

Gov. Doug Burgum joined U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler in announcing that the Fargo-Moorhead Area Diversion Project has been invited to apply for a $561 million EPA loan – clearing a major hurdle for a crucial piece of financing for the flood control project. Burgum and Wheeler also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) renewing the commitment to collaboration between the EPA and the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission (IOGCC), which Burgum chairs.

Gov. Doug Burgum joined President Donald Trump, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, Japanese Ambassador Shinsuke Sugiyama, Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao and others for the signing of the U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement and the U.S.-Japan Digital Trade Agreement at the White House.

Gov. Doug Burgum has directed all government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff on Sunday, Oct. 6, and encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service.

Gov. Doug Burgum joined local, state and federal officials in celebrating the completion of the new Williston Basin International Airport, calling it vital to the region’s growing population and economy.

Gov. Doug Burgum released the following statement today after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a new agreement on the Renewable Fuel Standard, addressing the volume of biofuels that must be blended into the nation’s fuel supply.

Gov. Doug Burgum welcomed U.S. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt to North Dakota, emphasizing the importance of state and federal collaboration on the proposed Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in Medora and highlighting its potential to boost tourism in conjunction with upgrades at Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

Gov. Doug Burgum was joined by officials from the North Dakota Department of Transportation and the federal Transportation Security Administration to proclaim October as North Dakota REAL ID Month.

Gov. Doug Burgum met with U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) Robert Wilkie during his visit to North Dakota, discussing ways to continue to enhance services for veterans and thanking the secretary for the VA’s plan to award a grant to build a columbarium at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery near Mandan.

Gov. Doug Burgum hosted the first workshop of his central policy initiative as 2020 chair of the Western Governors’ Association (WGA), “Reimagining the Rural West,” an ambitious effort to address the intractable challenges facing the rural West and to support vibrant and enduring rural communities.

Gov. Doug Burgum has declared October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month to bring awareness to the importance of protecting our state and citizens from constantly evolving cyberthreats. 

Gov. Doug Burgum joined military veterans, active duty servicemembers, community members and relatives of U.S. Navy Radioman 2^nd Class Floyd A. Wells to honor the Cavalier native as his remains were returned to North Dakota nearly 78 years after he died at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Gov. Doug Burgum and State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler announced that Sara Medalen, a reading and math interventionist at Minot’s Sunnyside Elementary School, is the North Dakota Teacher of the Year for 2020.

Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, director of the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services (NDDES), and Cody Schulz, North Dakota Homeland Security director, led a conference call with emergency managers from across the state to determine if additional resources or capabilities are needed to respond to last weekend’s severe storms and heavy rainfall. The conversation also focused on determining the extent of damages experienced by the affected jurisdictions and the upcoming recovery process.

Gov. Doug Burgum will welcome U.S. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt to North Dakota on Thursday, Oct. 3, to tour the Medora area and discuss efforts to establish a Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum and address deferred maintenance in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the state’s top tourist attraction.

Gov. Doug Burgum commended Harwood Elementary School and New Rockford-Sheyenne Elementary School for being recognized by U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2019.

Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement after the Trump administration finalized a trade agreement with Japan to eliminate or reduce tariffs on an additional $7.2 billion of U.S. food and agricultural products.

Gov. Doug Burgum and Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford presented the 2019 Governor’s Awards for Excellence in Public Service, recognizing team members for their outstanding work in state government and making a positive difference in the lives of North Dakotans.

Gov. Doug Burgum applauded the U.S. Department of Energy for awarding $9.8 million to help fund a Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) study for Project Tundra, a carbon-dioxide capture system for an existing lignite-based power plant in North Dakota.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced the U.S. Surgeon General, Vice Admiral Jerome M. Adams, as a guest of honor for the 2019 Main Street Initiative Summit set for Oct. 29-31 at the Bismarck Event Center.

Gov. Doug Burgum and State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler announced the members of the newly formed K-12 Education Coordinating Council, which will promote collaboration across all K-12 education entities in North Dakota as recommended by the Governor’s Innovative Education Task Force.

Gov. Doug Burgum issued a statement regarding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to repeal the 2015 Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule.

Gov. Doug Burgum has directed all government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff on Wednesday, and encouraged North Dakota residents to do the same, in honor of those who lost their lives in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Gov. Doug Burgum helped dedicate the new Fargo National Cemetery near Harwood, noting it continues North Dakota’s long history of honoring veterans for their military service.

Gov. Doug Burgum, together with the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DOCR), have announced an ambitious new initiative that will further North Dakota’s efforts to reform its corrections system.

Gov. Doug Burgum highlighted recent progress made in state-tribal relations, as well as opportunities for further collaboration, during the 23^rd annual Tribal Leaders Summit and Tradeshow hosted by United Tribes Technical College (UTTC) at the Bismarck Event Center.

Olympic gold medalist Riley Salmon will share his story of addiction and recovery with Gov. Doug Burgum and First Lady Kathryn Burgum at the third annual “Recovery Reinvented.” Registration is now open for the Nov. 12 event in Bismarck, which will include opportunities for the public to share personal videos of addiction and recovery and connect with recovery resources and services.

Gov. Doug Burgum  released a statement after the Environmental Protection Agency announced its proposal to update air regulations for the oil and gas industry.

Gov. Doug Burgum named policy advisor and Grand Forks native Jace Beehler to the role of policy director for the Burgum-Sanford administration, effective Oct. 1.

Gov. Doug Burgum congratulated Devils Lake attorney Daniel Traynor after President Donald Trump nominated him to serve as a U.S. District Court judge for North Dakota.

Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement regarding the White House’s announcement that President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe have reached a trade agreement in principle.

Gov. Doug Burgum highlighted recent reports that North Dakota is replenishing its rainy-day Budget Stabilization Fund thanks to a strong finish to the 2017-19 biennium, while also starting the new biennium on a high note with July revenues coming in $42 million above forecast.

Gov. Doug Burgum has announced the featured speakers for the 2019 Main Street ND Summit, Oct. 29-31 at the Bismarck Event Center. The summit will bring together local and national community development experts and advocates to share best practices and inspire community leaders, entrepreneurs and students in envisioning North Dakota’s future.

Gov. Doug Burgum joined local, state and federal officials to help Fargo-based biotechnology company Aldevron break ground on a 189,000-square-foot expansion, highlighting the investment in North Dakota’s technology sector.

Gov. Doug Burgum appointed former Wyoming Department of Transportation director William T. Panos to lead the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT), citing his extensive leadership experience and long history of managing major infrastructure projects and large organizations.

Gov. Doug Burgum kicked off the third annual Governor’s Summit on Innovative Education, a two-day event focused on sharing best practices and addressing behavioral health challenges in the classroom. 

Gov. Doug Burgum and First Lady Kathryn Burgum are inviting the general public, Native American communities, business and community leaders, behavioral health providers, university and college representatives, health care providers and administrators, addiction recovery advocates, faith-based communities, first responders, law enforcement, families and more to join them for Recovery Reinvented on Nov. 12, 2019, at the Bismarck Event Center.

Gov. Doug Burgum appointed judicial referee and magistrate Pamela Nesvig of Bismarck to a newly created judgeship in the South Central Judicial District, effective Sept. 1.

A committee tasked with selecting members of North Dakota’s newly created Ethics Commission reached consensus on appointing the first five members to the voter-approved Commission.

Gov. Doug Burgum led a delegation of state officials and legislative leaders on a tour of petrochemical facilities in the Canadian province of Alberta as part of ongoing efforts to bring the petrochemical industry to North Dakota to add value to the state’s ample natural gas resources and grow the economy.

Gov. Doug Burgum has announced the speaker lineup and agenda for the third annual Governor’s Summit on Innovative Education Aug. 14-15 at Jamestown High School in Jamestown, N.D.

Gov. Doug Burgum has directed all government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff until sunset Thursday, Aug. 8, and encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, as a mark of solemn respect for the victims of this weekend’s shootings in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio.

Applicants are being sought for three new boards created by the 2019 Legislature, including a council to promote collaboration across all K-12 education entities in North Dakota as recommended by the Governor’s Innovative Education Task Force.

Gov. Doug Burgum has appointed four members to the State Water Commission, including a member to fill the newly created seat representing the Little Missouri River basin in southwestern North Dakota.

Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement after the U.S. Senate confirmed former Grand Forks County State’s Attorney Peter Welte to serve as a U.S. District Court judge for North Dakota. President Donald Trump announced Welte’s nomination in January.

Gov. Doug Burgum congratulated the Bank of North Dakota on its 100^th anniversary and thanked team members past and present for their service and contributions to the Bank’s success and positive impact on North Dakotans throughout the years.

Gov. Doug Burgum, in partnership with the North Dakota Department of Commerce and the North Dakota Workforce Development Council, announced federal funding totaling $200,000 to support the launch of Emerging Digital Academy, an accelerated learning platform that will teach North Dakotans new skills to help them thrive in an economy undergoing rapid technological change.

Gov. Doug Burgum has directed all government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff on Tuesday, July 23, and encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, as a sign of respect for the memory and longstanding service of retired U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice John Paul Stevens on the day of his interment.

Gov. Doug Burgum has rescinded an executive order that had granted a waiver of hours of service requirements for drivers of commercial vehicles transporting cement and fly-ash supplies.

Gov. Doug Burgum signed an executive order granting a waiver of hours of service requirements for drivers of commercial vehicles transporting cement and fly-ash supplies to assist in the timely completion of infrastructure projects throughout North Dakota, including the new Williston airport.

Gov. Doug Burgum surveyed damage from Friday night’s tornado in the city of Mott, commending local leaders and the community for their preparation and response to the tornado, which caused significant damage but no injuries or deaths.

Gov. Doug Burgum issued a statement in observance of the 243rd anniversary of America’s independence.

Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement after the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) announced it has received a four-year waiver from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to operate unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) over people.

First Lady Kathryn Burgum will be recognized Tuesday, June 25, as a leader in youth health and safety by Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) with the Outstanding Contribution Award.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced that registration is now open for the third annual Governor’s Summit on Innovative Education on Aug. 14-15 at Jamestown High School in Jamestown, N.D.

Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement today after Mexico approved the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

Gov. Doug Burgum announced that Border States Electric CEO Tammy Miller will join the administration as chief operating officer, bringing extensive experience to a critical role in the ongoing efforts to enhance government services for citizens in order to empower people, improve lives and inspire success.

Gov. Doug Burgum applauded a proposal from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service to modernize compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

Gov. Doug Burgum expressed his deepest thanks to President Trump and the Federal Emergency Management Agency for granting North Dakota’s request for a presidential major disaster declaration for widespread spring flooding.

The Western Governors’ Association (WGA) elected North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum to serve as WGA chair for 2019-2020, on the final day of the association’s three-day annual meeting in Vail.

Gov. Doug Burgum met with U.S. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt on the first day of the Western Governors’ Association’s three-day annual meeting in Vail, discussing a variety of topics including natural resources, energy development and improvements to Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

First Lady Kathryn Burgum will share her story of addiction and recovery and her mission to eliminate the stigma surrounding addiction as she kicks off an opioid panel tomorrow at the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Public Sector Summit in Washington, D.C.

Naomi Hegwood of Bismarck High School and Sandra Larson of New Rockford-Sheyenne High School have been selected to represent North Dakota at the 2019 National Youth Science Camp in Charleston, W.Va., June 27 through July 20. 

Gov. Doug Burgum expressed his support for careful management of releases from Garrison Dam to prevent flooding and minimize impacts along the Missouri River to the fullest extent possible.

Gov. Doug Burgum appointed University of North Dakota student Kaleb Dschaak 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 until sunset Tuesday, June 4, and encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, as a mark of solemn respect for the victims of Friday’s shooting in Virginia Beach, Va.

Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized action to allow the year-round sale of gasoline blended with up to 15 percent ethanol, and to boost transparency and deter price manipulation by reforming the renewable identification number (RIN) compliance system under the EPA’s Renewable Fuel Standard Program.

Gov. Doug Burgum highlighted the newly established Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the important work it does to protect the state’s air, land and water resources. The department held a public open house after officially becoming an independent state agency on April 29.

BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement today in observance of Memorial Day, paying tribute to the brave individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Gov. Doug Burgum has directed all government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff on Monday, May 27, until noon, and encouraged North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, in observance of Memorial Day.

Gov. Doug Burgum has requested a presidential major disaster declaration as a result of widespread spring flooding that damaged homes and public infrastructure, inundated hundreds of roads and thousands of acres of farmland, and displaced dozens of residents in western, south-central and eastern North Dakota.

Gov. Doug Burgum issued a statement after an announcement by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue of up to $16 billion in programs to assist farmers impacted by trade disruption. 

 Job Service North Dakota is hosting its annual 2nd Chance Job Fair on June 6 in Bismarck, Grand Forks and Fargo, Gov. Doug Burgum announced.

Gov. Doug Burgum issued a statement regarding the U.S. Senate’s confirmation of Lance Yohe, former executive director of the Red River Basin Commission, to serve as a Commissioner on the part of the United States on the International Joint Commission (IJC).

Gov. Doug Burgum has directed government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff on Wednesday, May 15, 2019, and encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, in observance of Peace Officers Memorial Day.

Gov. Doug Burgum has appointed Erica Thunder to lead the North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights as the state’s Labor Commissioner, citing her legal experience, broad skillset and proven commitment to fairness and justice.

Gov. Doug Burgum congratulated the 310 students from 28 schools who participated in the Girls Go CyberStart program. In its first year participating in the innovative online cybersecurity program, North Dakota had the highest number of participants per capita out of 26 states participating.

Gov. Doug Burgum has signed an executive order creating the Complete Count Task Force to recommend strategies that safeguard and promote the 2020 census to ensure a fair and accurate count for the state.

Gov. Doug Burgum has signed the remaining 53 bills from the recently adjourned 2019 legislative session, exercising his veto authority on one additional bill.

Gov. Doug Burgum joined U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue during his visit to Fargo, discussing issues facing North Dakota ag producers at a roundtable discussion and celebrating the launch of an autonomous farming initiative.

North Dakota is making strategic investments in its future, funding priorities and delivering citizens a conservative balanced budget without raising taxes, Gov. Doug Burgum said today after the 66th Legislative Assembly adjourned its regular session sine die.

State legislators who voted to create a $50 million endowment for the proposed Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum joined Gov. Doug Burgum as he signed the bill into law and thanked the assembly, calling it “a historic piece of legislation that’s going to be transformational.”

Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement after signing Senate Bill 2020, the appropriations bill for the State Water Commission, noting the state's strong commitment to making major investments in water supply and flood control projects.

Gov. Doug Burgum took executive action to suspend two members of the Belcourt School Board after credible reports of threats and demands made by the two board members in the midst of a citizen-requested audit.

Applications are being accepted through May 24 for service on the North Dakota Ethics Commission, which was established through a voter-approved constitutional amendment last November.

Gov. Doug Burgum signed legislation providing an economic incentive to use carbon dioxide captured from North Dakota’s coal-fired power plants for enhanced oil recovery by injecting the carbon dioxide underground.

Gov. Doug Burgum expressed his deepest gratitude to state legislators after they voted to approve an endowment for the proposed Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum (TRPLM), laying the foundation for a world-class tourism destination in North Dakota.

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 released a statement on the terrorist attacks Sunday in Sri Lanka.

Gov. Doug Burgum released the following statement today after signing Senate Bill 2344 to clarify issues related to pore space in underground rock formations.

Gov. Doug Burgum has signed breakthrough legislation that redesigns county social services in North Dakota to improve the quality of services, increase the speed of delivery and reduce costs while continuing to provide property tax relief.

Gov. Doug Burgum signed Senate Bill 2110, a milestone that makes North Dakota the first state to authorize a central, shared service approach to cybersecurity strategy across all aspects of state government including state, local, legislative, judicial, K-12 education and higher education.  

Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement after the U.S. Senate confirmed former North Dakota Lt. Gov. Drew Wrigley to serve again as U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota.

Gov. Doug Burgum has vetoed Senate Bill 2055, citing legislative overreach and an unconstitutional delegation of power to the Legislature’s Budget Section.

Gov. Doug Burgum applauded a much-anticipated ruling by Chief U.S. District Court Judge John Tunheim that modifies an injunction to allow construction to proceed on the critically important Fargo-Moorhead Area Diversion Project.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced the retirement of North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) Director Tom Sorel, thanking him for his leadership in launching the Vision Zero traffic safety initiative, planning for future transportation needs and adopting innovative technologies to improve services.

Gov. Doug Burgum signed legislation that exempts military retirement benefits from state income tax, one of several proposals included in his executive budget recommendation designed to address the state’s workforce shortage.

The North Dakota National Guard and North Dakota Department of Emergency Services (DES) are deploying resources to Cass County and the city of LaMoure to assist in flood fighting efforts.

Gov. Doug Burgum and First Lady Kathryn Burgum participated in White House meetings on criminal justice reform and prison reform and a celebration of the First Step Act, which President Trump signed into law last year to increase the likelihood of successful prisoner reentry.

Gov. Doug Burgum thanked Vietnam veterans and signed a proclamation declaring March 29 as Vietnam Veterans Day in North Dakota during a ceremony at the Capitol.

Gov. Doug Burgum has announced that the Minot Jim Hill Middle School Band and the Leeds Banner Girls Chorus have been selected as the 2019 Governor’s Official State Band and Chorus Programs.

Gov. Doug Burgum signed legislation that ratifies the historic compact he signed in February with Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara (MHA) Nation Chairman Mark Fox to change how the state and tribe share tax revenue from new oil and gas activity on trust and fee lands.

Gov. Doug Burgum has declared a statewide flood emergency in preparation for the threat of significant spring flooding across North Dakota, as state agencies gathered to begin coordinating their response and resources. The governor also toured flood-affected areas in western McKenzie County, hearing heartbreaking stories from residents displaced by the flooding Yellowstone River.

North Dakota Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford was awarded the 2018 Public Leadership in Energy and Environmental Stewardship award, a nationwide recognition of his work on energy and the environment.

Gov. Doug Burgum has declared a winter storm emergency for a severe winter storm March 13-15 that impacted much of North Dakota. The governor also has granted the first group of waivers for school districts that canceled classes because of severe winter weather.

Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement after signing legislation to repeal North Dakota’s ban on Sunday morning shopping, saying, “We trust retailers to decide when it’s best to open or not open their businesses, and we trust families and consumers to determine how best to spend their time.”

Gov. Doug Burgum welcomed U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta to North Dakota, highlighting efforts to address the state’s workforce shortage and other topics. Acosta was making his first visit to North Dakota as Labor Secretary at the invitation of U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D.

Gov. Doug Burgum signed legislation that will provide $250 million to help cities, counties and townships in non-oil producing counties pay for infrastructure needs, urging local leaders to invest the dollars in existing infrastructure areas to limit the growth of property taxes and create healthy, vibrant communities.

Gov. Doug Burgum joined local, state and federal leaders for the signing of a new Project Partnership Agreement for the Fargo-Moorhead Area Diversion Project, while also applauding the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for asking a judge to allow construction to begin on the flood control project in accordance with the DNR’s permit requirements.

Gov. Doug Burgum and First Lady Kathryn Burgum have awarded 17 grants to the winners of North Dakota’s first-ever Youth Ending Stigma (YES) Challenge.

A revised revenue forecast released by the North Dakota Office of Management and Budget (OMB) bodes well for the state’s ability to achieve a structurally balanced budget, fund priorities and invest in legacy projects for the future, Gov. Doug Burgum said.

Gov. Burgum joined North Dakota State University officials to announce a transformative, interdisciplinary research institute focused on global innovation, trade and economic growth and made possible by philanthropy from benefactors.

Gov. Doug Burgum has signed his first bill of the 2019 legislative session, removing mandatory minimum sentences for certain drug-related offenses.

Gov. Doug Burgum applauded an announcement that the Assistant Secretary of the Army (ASA) for Civil Works, R.D. James, has directed the Army Corps of Engineers to increase federal participation in the Fargo-Moorhead Area Diversion Project to $750 million, up from $450 million.

Gov. Doug Burgum released the following statement regarding retired North Dakota Air National Guard Maj. Gen. Darrol G. Schroeder, who passed away Sunday, March 3, at age 88.

Gov. Doug Burgum has signed an executive order extending until March 22 an hours of service waiver for drivers of commercial vehicles transporting propane, diesel fuel and gasoline.

Gov. Doug Burgum and Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara (MHA) Nation Chairman Mark Fox have signed a compact that maintains the current tax rate on oil and gas production and extraction within the Fort Berthold Reservation, while changing how the state and tribe share tax revenue from new oil and gas activity on trust and fee lands.

Gov. Doug Burgum attended a business session at the White House with President Donald Trump and members of his cabinet while in Washington, D.C., for the National Governors Association’s annual Winter Meeting.

Gov. Doug Burgum will join nearly all of the nation’s governors plus more than 1,500 business, nonprofit and government leaders and others from around the world at the National Governors Association’s 111th annual Winter Meeting, which runs through Monday in Washington, D.C.

Gov. Doug Burgum  announced the state’s participation in an innovative, online cybersecurity competition and encouraged high school-aged women to explore their aptitude for cybersecurity and computer science by participating.

Gov. Doug Burgum has signed an executive order extending an hours of service waiver for drivers of commercial vehicles transporting propane until Feb. 28 and adding haulers of diesel fuel and gasoline to those covered by the waiver.

During a phone call with Gov. Doug Burgum, Acting U.S. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt expressed his support for the proposed Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in Medora. 

Gov. Doug Burgum announced the launch of the succession planning process for the state’s next Chief Operating Officer, thanking current COO Jodi Uecker for her service as she transitions toward retirement in June.

Gov. Doug Burgum is encouraging school, community and church bands and choirs across North Dakota to apply to serve as the Governor’s Official State Band/Orchestra Program and Choral Program for 2019.

Gov. Doug Burgum has directed all government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff until sunset Saturday, Feb. 9, and encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, as a mark of respect for the memory and longstanding service of former U.S. Rep. John D. Dingell Jr. of Michigan.

 Gov. Doug Burgum said he is willing to consider granting waivers on a case-by-case basis for school districts that have canceled school because of severe winter storms and dangerously cold temperatures in recent weeks, provided certain criteria are met.

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

Gov. Doug Burgum expressed his support for the priorities outlined by President Donald Trump in his 2019 State of the Union Address, including a greater emphasis on national security, strengthening the nation’s economy and infrastructure, and unlocking the extraordinary promise of the nation’s future through greater collaboration and cooperation.

Gov. Doug Burgum joined MHA Nation Chairman Mark Fox, legislative leaders and Tax Commissioner Ryan Rauschenberger for a press conference to highlight the bipartisan support and benefits of a bill that would change how the state and tribe share tax revenue from oil and gas production and extraction on trust and fee lands.

Gov. Doug Burgum and First Lady Kathryn Burgum expressed their gratitude to the recovery advocates, legislative leaders, peer support specialists, individuals with lived experience, behavioral health care providers and other stakeholders who helped highlight the first-ever Recovery Day at the Capitol.

With most of North Dakota under a wind chill warning for Tuesday, Gov. Doug Burgum and State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler are supporting the judgment of school administrators about whether to close schools in response.

Gov. Doug Burgum met with reporters to discuss budget priorities for the ongoing legislative session, including mounting support for the proposed Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum at Medora, N.D.

Gov. Doug Burgum and Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford joined leaders of the five tribal nations that share geography with North Dakota for a ceremony honoring and celebrating their tribal flags, now on display in the state Capitol for the first time as directed by the governor during his State of the State address on Jan. 3.

Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement after President Donald Trump announced the nomination of former Grand Forks County State’s Attorney Peter Welte to serve as a U.S. District Court judge for North Dakota.

Gov. Doug Burgum has appointed Timothy Mihalick of Minot and reappointed Nick Hacker of Bismarck to the North Dakota Board of Higher Education.

Gov. Doug Burgum delivered his 2019 State of the State Address, reflecting on substantial progress made during his first two years in office and outlining an ambitious policy agenda that addresses the state’s workforce challenges, increases accountability and budget transparency and makes major investments in people and projects that will benefit North Dakotans today and well into the future.

* Read the speech

* Burgum-Sanford budget and policy handout

Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement congratulating the Bison football team after North Dakota State University won an exciting 38-24 victory over Eastern Washington University to capture the national title in the NCAA’s Football Championship Subdivision.

As the North Dakota State University Bison football team prepares to take on the Eastern Washington University Eagles in the FCS championship game on Saturday, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and Washington Gov. Jay Inslee have raised the stakes with a friendly wager.

Gov. Doug Burgum expressed his gratitude for the members of the K-12 Innovative Education Task Force and the Task Force for Higher Education Governance as the two groups submitted their final reports and recommendations.

Gov. Doug Burgum has signed an executive order creating the Lower Pembina River Basin Advisory Board to address water management and flooding issues in the basin and resolve interjurisdictional conflicts with the Canadian province of Manitoba.

BISMARCK, N.D. – North Dakotans are reminded that all United States and North Dakota flags should be returned to full-staff at 12:01 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 30. Flags have been flown at half-staff since the passing of former President George H.W. Bush on Nov. 30.

Gov. Doug Burgum applauded the landmark decision by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to grant a permit for the Fargo-Moorhead Area Diversion Project, a major milestone in efforts to secure permanent protection against catastrophic flooding for the F-M metro area.

Moody’s Investor Service has revised the State of North Dakota’s issuer rating outlook from negative to stable, citing the state’s progress toward a structurally balanced budget and replenishing reserves – two priorities outlined in Gov. Doug Burgum’s executive budget recommendation presented to the Legislature earlier this month.

Gov. Doug Burgum issued a statement today after President Donald Trump signed the 2018 Farm Bill into law, saying it renews our country's commitment to agriculture and rural America.

Gov. Doug Burgum recently became the latest governor to join the Face to Face initiative, a national call to action encouraging policymakers to personally engage with the people who are closest to the correctional system.

Gov. Doug Burgum highlighted improved relations between state government and North Dakota’s Native American tribes, while also noting there is still much room for improvement and many opportunities for collaboration, at the second Strengthening Government to Government Partnerships and Relationships conference.

Gov. Doug Burgum has appointed Cass County Assistant State’s Attorney Tristan Van de Streek to a judgeship in the East Central Judicial District, effective Jan. 21, 2019.

Gov. Doug Burgum welcomed the latest estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau that show North Dakota’s population reached an all-time high of 760,077 residents as of July 1, 2018, an increase of 4,901 from last year’s revised estimate.

Gov. Doug Burgum, in partnership with the North Dakota Department of Commerce, announced the funding for 15 projects totaling $2,331,000 aimed at Main Street development, public facilities and services. The program is funded by federal Community Development Block Grant dollars focusing on long-term community development within cities’ Main Street areas.

Saturday, Dec. 15, marked the two-year anniversary of Gov. Doug Burgum being sworn into office alongside Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford, giving the governor a chance to reflect on the substantial progress made toward fulfilling the administration’s purpose for state government: to empower people, improve lives and inspire success.

Gov. Doug Burgum, vice chairman of the Western Governors’ Association, joined U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and the WGA’s chairman, Hawaii Gov. David Ige, in signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to cooperatively address land management challenges.

Gov. Doug Burgum and First Lady Kathryn Burgum announced the Youth Ending Stigma (YES) Challenge, designed to enable student-led initiatives and projects focused on eliminating social stigma surrounding behavioral health issues including addiction and mental health conditions.

Gov. Doug Burgum has appointed Michelle Kommer to lead the North Dakota Department of Commerce, citing her strong leadership qualities, extensive private-sector experience and commitment to addressing the state’s workforce shortage.

Gov. Doug Burgum released his 2019-2021 Executive Budget, presenting the 66th Legislative Assembly with a plan that creates structural balance, improves transparency and replenishes reserves without any tax increases.

Lisa Kudelka, who served as director of human resources for Bismarck Public Schools for 21 years before retiring in July, has been named interim Chief People Officer (CPO) for the State of North Dakota.

Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement on the passing of President George H.W. Bush, who died Friday, Nov. 30, at the age of 94. Flags also are to be flown at half-staff immediately.

Gov. Doug Burgum issued a statement after President Donald Trump signed the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada and President Enrique Peña Nieto of Mexico.

Highlighting how North Dakota is embracing technology to reinvent government, improve services for taxpayers and spur economic development, Gov. Doug Burgum announced a $30 million proposal to build out infrastructure that would support beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) across North Dakota.

Gov. Doug Burgum has reappointed Maj. Gen. Alan Dohrmann to a six-year term as North Dakota’s adjutant general, effective July 1, 2019, citing his exceptional leadership since taking on the role in December 2015.

Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement regarding the loss of Virginia Nelsen, executive director of the State Historical Society of North Dakota Foundation, who passed away Nov. 16 in Bismarck.

Gov. Doug Burgum has directed all government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff on Wednesday, Nov. 21, and encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, in honor of the air ambulance pilot, paramedic and nurse who lost their lives in a plane crash Sunday night northwest of Mandan.

Gov. Doug Burgum presented retired U.S. Secret Service agent and author Clint Hill with the North Dakota Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award during a ceremony attended by more than 200 friends, family and other well-wishers at the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center in Hill’s hometown of Washburn.

Gov. Doug Burgum issued a statement after a Metro Area Ambulance airplane crashed Sunday night northwest of Mandan, claiming the lives of all three people aboard.

Members of the Task Force for Higher Education Governance formed by Gov. Doug Burgum a year ago voted to advance the concept of a three-board governance model for the state’s 11 public colleges and universities as an improvement to the current single-board model.

The State of North Dakota will initiate the process of recruitment for a new Chief People Officer (CPO) after CPO Kelsey Roth reconsidered her recent appointment and resigned the post to return to the private sector.

Gov. Doug Burgum issued a statement today in observance of Veterans Day, saying, "Today we extend our deepest gratitude to the ordinary Americans who perform extraordinary acts of valor in the name of freedom, the soldiers who put service to country and preservation of liberty above all else, including our North Dakota National Guard members and active duty servicemen and women."

Gov. Doug Burgum and First Lady Kathryn Helgaas Burgum encourage the public to join them for the annual North Dakota State Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 6 in Memorial Hall at the Capitol. The theme of this year’s holiday tree is “Dream. Hope. Act.”

Gov. Doug Burgum has directed all government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff until sunset Saturday, Nov. 10, and encouraged North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, as a mark of solemn respect for the victims of Wednesday’s shooting in Thousand Oaks, Calif.

Gov. Doug Burgum and First Lady Kathryn Helgaas Burgum were joined by more than 80 stakeholders, peer support specialists, people who have received peer support services and other individuals for the first-ever Peer Support Day at the Capitol.

Gov. Doug Burgum issued a statement on the passing of former state legislator Rae Ann Kelsch of Mandan, who served in the North Dakota House of Representatives from 1991 to 2012, chairing the House Education Committee for much of that time.

The North Dakota Governor’s Office, the North Dakota Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Association of North Dakota (EDND) presented the Governor’s Choice Economic Development Awards Oct. 29 during the EDND Fall Conference in Minot.

Gov. Doug Burgum has directed all government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff until sunset Oct. 31, and encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, in honor of the victims of the shooting at Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh.

Gov. Doug Burgum today signed an executive order creating a task force to assess the current system for supporting military veterans in North Dakota and comprehensively examine how the state’s current resources can be organized to serve veterans most effectively.

The North Dakota Office of Management and Budget has completed a major upgrade to the transparency section of its website, creating a more user-friendly experience for citizens searching for budget data, vendor contracts, fund balances and other financial information about state government.

Gov. Doug Burgum received an extensive report of recommendations designed to assist in shaping the state’s workforce policy agenda for addressing North Dakota’s workforce shortage and supporting a 21st century workforce to meet current and future needs. 

First Lady Kathryn Helgaas Burgum attended the “A Year of Historic Action to Combat the Opioid Crisis” event at the White House, where the Trump administration highlighted actions taken to combat the opioid crisis since President Donald Trump declared it a public health emergency a year ago.

Gov. Doug Burgum thanked more than 100 military veterans for their service before they departed on the first North Dakota Native Veterans Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.

Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford hosted members of the North Dakota Commission on Military Promotion and Strategic Sustainment (NDCOMPASS) to discuss ways to make North Dakota a more military-friendly state.

Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford joined officials to celebrate the completion of the Oasis Wild Basin II natural gas processing plant near Watford City, stressing the need for additional gas capture infrastructure to support continued growth in North Dakota’s energy sector.

Gov. Doug Burgum thanked members of the interim Tribal Taxation Issues Committee and leaders of North Dakota’s American Indian tribes for their collaborative work as the committee held its final meeting and discussed draft legislation for the Legislature to consider in January.

Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement after the Trump administration directed the Environmental Protection Agency to approve the sale of E15 ethanol-blended gasoline throughout the year.

Gov. Doug Burgum stressed the importance of solving the state’s workforce shortage and fostering innovation in both the public and private sectors to secure North Dakota’s future as an energy powerhouse during the Great Plains and EmPower ND Energy Conference at Bismarck State College.

BISMARCK, N.D. – 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.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced former U.S. Secret Service agent and author Clint Hill as the 44th recipient of the North Dakota Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award, the state’s highest commendation for its citizens.

Gov. Doug Burgum today announced “Be Legendary” as North Dakota’s new brand identity, building on the “Legendary” brand that has been used to promote the state for more than 15 years.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced the hiring of Kelsey Roth as the State of North Dakota’s next Chief People Officer and leader of Human Resource Management Services (HRMS), effective Oct. 30.

Gov. Burgum accepted the resignation of state Commerce Commissioner Jay Schuler and appointed Deputy Commissioner Shawn Kessel to serve as interim commissioner until the position can be permanently filled.  

Gov. Doug Burgum issued the following statement today after the Trump administration announced a new trilateral trade agreement between the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Gov. Doug Burgum has declared October Cybersecurity Awareness Month to bring awareness to the impact cybersecurity threats have on the security of citizens and the state and the importance of protecting all North Dakotans from cyberthreats.  
 

Gov. Burgum met with leaders of health care systems from across North Dakota to discuss ways to enhance suicide prevention efforts through the Zero Suicide initiative.

The North Dakota Office of Management and Budget is following through on the Burgum administration’s pledge to improve the state’s revenue forecasting system to make it more accurate and ensure taxpayer resources are being used most efficiently.

Gov. Doug Burgum highlighted the innovation, technology and investment driving a resurgence in North Dakota’s oil industry during the North Dakota Petroleum Council’s annual meeting in Fargo.

MAPLETON, N.D. – Gov. Doug Burgum and State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler announced Kayla Delzer, a third-grade teacher at Mapleton Elementary School, as the 2019 North Dakota Teacher of the Year.

First Lady Kathryn Helgaas Burgum challenged U.S. and Canadian health officials to include people in recovery in policymaking decisions and embrace innovative approaches to recovery in communities such as the Free Through Recovery program in North Dakota.