[{"_1":2,"_109":-5,"_110":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6372711,"mediaKeyId","2147299-a5012ccea962d744c160528b45975609","parentId",2147299,"title","Committee clears technical questions as Civil Air Patrol, State Radio seek equipment upgrades","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",6965000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2147299-a5012ccea962d744c160528b45975609&start=6965&end=6965","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2147299-a5012ccea962d744c160528b45975609/thumbnail_6965000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6372711/North-Dakota/Committee-clears-technical-questions-as-Civil-Air-Patrol-State-Radio-seek-equipment-upgrades","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6372711-b6ceb1b0e76cfa2e196bbeb4e5063df2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184058&Signature=P6HHkykr6SrpNN0kG0vcx~CXxCyAmKwRRRlZPJ5m7pdYxRrkxYlNh-6EoJi8bX-ZLZ9Lsu1PCUW0cGAh-k1faawtHD8rbjO9gBCBmTZWdmVsnIg5Hw4AnXBvBQlhg9X5rtjoaPxdyUJKDh1oUojqhSzvtdM6K57L1jccJS-jfADityz~z4ylXX292ewbHrbqITwMXkAmtNAm2wBUOei2Q1rZN483P9WuD2eYp5KHtW9oR3ahKv3WV6S44IjUx6qyE3Igcet7wPK341ZhzyamxEuIuO~J9SdL7bK5Y8O0NxTHUkZbRLBLYchmDa2C-cTz6bGLoLBFKJYH7H0-TnBoDQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","House Appropriations - Government Operations Division, ND","date","2025-01-23T00:00:00Z","article","Bismarck — The Appropriations subcommittee reviewed requests from Civil Air Patrol and State Radio for equipment upgrades and IT redundancy to support law‑enforcement interoperability and improve emergency communications.

Lieutenant Col. Shawn Johnson, representing Civil Air Patrol operations, said the unit requires upgraded radios and related equipment and proposed a reduced funding request of $206,426 after selecting a different radio model and refining fielding plans. Johnson told the committee the final request reflected a 17% reduction from the original $250,000 ask and that the APX 6000 series radios are better tested and siren‑compatible. He said roughly 19 radios are in the fielding plan and the APX per‑unit cost (with installation and siren compatibility) is about $4,000.

State Radio and redundancy

Darren Anderson, director of State Radio, briefed members on three related items: a state radio law‑enforcement redundant switch, a recording/recorder upgrade tied to a radio system transition and a robust North Dakota emergency response website. Anderson said the redundant switch and server uplift would move critical services into the capital server room and add failover protections for web‑service calls to DOT, federal systems and court systems; the agency noted the system processes about 7 million transactions per month.

Anderson also said a previously covered cost for a response website was not a new expense but an existing cost NDIT paid and the department was asked to include in its budget. He described the site as a single point for disaster information, continuity‑of‑government communications and an architecture designed to remain up if other state sites are compromised.

Why it matters: Committee members framed the upgrades as investments in reliability for law enforcement and emergency communications. Members asked why other vendors or existing state arrangements could not provide redundancy and received an explanation that the proposed design would provide more extensive failover protections for the specific law‑enforcement query system.

Fielding and fiscal notes

- Civil Air Patrol: After refinement, the unit’s request was reduced to about $206,426 for 19 APX radios and fielding costs; the committee recorded the adjusted amount on the record.

- State Radio: Items include NDIT-managed procurements and O&M costs that were historically paid by NDIT but are now being captured in the agency’s budget. Committee members said they will review the NDIT billings as part of the fiscal review.

Ending: Members expressed support for redundancy and recording upgrades but flagged procurement and billing relationships with NDIT for further clarity. The committee recorded “okay” for several technical lines pending final budget reconciliation.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Appropriations - Government Operations Division Jan 23, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Civil Air Patrol asked the committee to approve updated radio costs and siren-compatible radios; State Radio also requested funding for redundant systems, recording upgrades and website continuity functions tied to emergency alerts.","taxTitle","Appropriations - Government Operations Division, House of Representatives, Legislative, North Dakota","taxId",28887,"location","North Dakota","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_46":81,"_48":82,"_50":83,"_52":84,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":85,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":86,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6372716,"Lawmakers review Watch Center staffing request, urged to fund two additional FTEs",159,3167000,3326000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2147299-a5012ccea962d744c160528b45975609&start=3167&end=3326","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2147299-a5012ccea962d744c160528b45975609/thumbnail_3167000.jpg","/articles/6372716/North-Dakota/Lawmakers-review-Watch-Center-staffing-request-urged-to-fund-two-additional-FTEs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6372716-674ff779eb4339b014612b0fdd993f49/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184058&Signature=JR0Up6Tc5sW2BnSg3-ptiV8iJKjxtSEValWPtvMeuiBGUGqf5wdNLQEkSQ1S-3g-gn407ew-BRJWaorpHy5sdpop4dpwtIMM9Z7MJ3B2anA2dTeasvwNg2pLJHIPV03Cvq24QYX2mQWe8Krg~0t0dqTWFer15VgprFV398gpyk0lhx0d-q1muWEpqalDY2pSOOdnwgyHbD22ebf~UI2qolLsBYF-b4SzSEjWw2fvFljuDYNoQT~zdRc~kN9QOYKOSbj3fbjuVGZ~Nr5Z0Rkq7FV4XP7wQx-n1o2oNjKYgvwk3wtV1nGD9W5Nv8H22zhiIDvEJpgIoMglBzZ-epvEUw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Bismarck — Department officials asked the Appropriations subcommittee to fund two additional Watch Center positions to meet a stated industry minimum for continuous operations and reduce reliance on temporary staff.

Darren Hanson, Homeland Security Division director, told the panel that the Watch Center was established to provide 24/7 situational coordination and that the industry standard to run continuous operations is eight staff. Hanson said the division currently has four funded FTEs and two unfunded positions authorized previously; the department has filled gaps using temporary staff and grant funds but warned of turnover and coverage gaps. \"We believe the standard and industry standard is 8 minimum to run 20 fourseven operations,\" Hanson told the committee.

Why it matters: The Watch Center coordinates information between dispatchers, hospitals, health officials and local response partners during emergencies. Hanson said the center performed a coordination role during recent wildfires and a train derailment, and that intermittent staffing shortfalls required closing the center on occasion.

Discussion highlights

- Staffing and funding: Committee members were told the department previously received authorization for six positions but only four were funded; the current ask would fund two more to reach the authorized complement and replace temporary hires.

- Use of grants: Officials said they have used State Homeland Security Grant Program and Emergency Management Performance Grant Program funds to fill temporary needs but that federal grant purchasing power has declined and the approach is not sustainable.

- Operational role: Hanson described the Watch Center as \"the central coordinating point\" and explained it functions as a second layer behind dispatchers, connecting field information to hospitals, health departments and other incident partners.

- Location and logistics: The Watch Center operates from the armory barracks adjacent to the emergency operations center; the committee asked for a short elevator-speech definition, which Hanson provided on the record.

Ending: Committee members acknowledged the center's role during recent incidents and placed the request under continued review; several members asked the agency to return with further documentation on grant reliance and the detailed requirement for reaching an eight-person staffing model.","Officials asked the committee to fund two FTEs to reach an industry-standard eight-person Watch Center for 24/7 operations, arguing reliance on temporary staff is unsustainable after wildfire and derailment responses.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_46":93,"_48":94,"_50":95,"_52":96,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":97,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":98,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6372722,"Lawmakers question funding for National Guard’s Next Generation Leader program pilot in Bismarck",1515,1409000,2924000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2147299-a5012ccea962d744c160528b45975609&start=1409&end=2924","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2147299-a5012ccea962d744c160528b45975609/thumbnail_1409000.jpg","/articles/6372722/North-Dakota/Lawmakers-question-funding-for-National-Guards-Next-Generation-Leader-program-pilot-in-Bismarck","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6372722-a7a7d1d5db4821075f94cf150555806f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184058&Signature=QmZgCBMb4zjn-OLfWGNdonVFhkYL~2HWVCpsDulgYzujf4xa1CkqDxTRYf0QK4fEylX94nUNSs2hrEQj5QL91yvcS9r-u0GUX8OPwL8s5SgXq0k8OI04k6Oud3R1MVcm3Av25Dx~cgMSK-SbVL0-KQcQmPftQi9j6ZG~EwBg5ApUEXQmo6865C56qOmHyVAtbfcV7OavxhRMW3yguWGUE~ralxAafNqUTxi4p3CJ5rLO8a7Fxz2Pcn-kSt48gIE7mMWCTJs8dsV1faGFYri9rMo6rfDUJHPpIOPHZKufSQcqSgWtzs2tZhrbyCCuUuQsbcShAL-2UYI8zR33lrIW4Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Bismarck — Lawmakers pressed North Dakota National Guard leaders on a proposal to fund two positions for a Next Generation Leader program designed to expand military‑pathway coursework, with a pilot targeted to Bismarck.

The Adjutant General described the request as a one‑time appropriation of about $488,000 in general fund to create two full‑time positions: an accredited teacher to deliver coursework and a coordinator to administer and expand the program. \"One's for a teacher that can make these courses accredited so the kids can get credit for it,\" Mitch Johnson said. Officials said the pilot would partner with the Department of Public Instruction and the Center for Distance Education to reach areas where Junior ROTC is not available.

Why it matters: Committee members framed the program as a recruitment and exposure effort that could benefit rural areas and students unable to access existing Junior ROTC offerings. Legislators sought details about whether the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) already carries similar work and whether existing vacant FTEs could be repurposed.

Discussion and clarifications

- Structure and roles: Jackie Huber, deputy adjutant general, told the panel the teaching role would require a standard North Dakota secondary education license and that the Educational Standards and Practices Board (ESPB) would be involved in licensure. Huber said the department prefers a military retiree with a teaching license if possible.

- Location and scope: The department said the initial pilot would be Bismarck‑focused; participants indicated a possible later push toward Dickinson to address a gap there.

- Costs and alternatives: Representatives asked whether existing recruiting resources or vacant FTEs could be repurposed. Officials said recruiting and retention staff lack the scope or certification to provide accredited classroom instruction; the department argued the two positions are complementary and that one without the other would be ineffective.

- Funding status: Committee members put a question mark by the line pending more information on DPI’s current expenditures and on whether existing vacancies (some on the special‑fund side) could be repurposed.

Ending: Committee members expressed broad support for the concept but requested more fiscal detail and confirmation of licensure requirements before committing general‑fund dollars.","The committee examined a request for two FTEs and $488,000 general fund for a pilot Next Generation Leader program to create accredited military pathway courses in partnership with DPI and the Center for Distance Education.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":42,"_43":102,"_45":102,"_46":103,"_48":104,"_50":105,"_52":106,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":107,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":108,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6372726,"House Appropriations reviews Adjutant General budget, weighing maintenance, disaster and construction requests",788000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2147299-a5012ccea962d744c160528b45975609&start=788&end=788","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2147299-a5012ccea962d744c160528b45975609/thumbnail_788000.jpg","/articles/6372726/North-Dakota/House-Appropriations-reviews-Adjutant-General-budget-weighing-maintenance-disaster-and-construction-requests","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6372726-5d47c851528117c36730ead6864bea18/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184058&Signature=m5xbyTtu2LRtYkdiamsKB8Y5Sqxzhq5Dv0UcW1yV-GURQRSAnhCXXlfvmvC1m1xlGsmo1W~o3F7zXvHZzeUFZ9TOvz5dLjRo2bswuoMEGF3K0zhNv4ekNdAzfrfuOWz6-2-BR~LJluGbCy3gJTxcIc6hTAmlBPaV8Rut94fM8iXSElwTVIdgsGyzipQ8~vfVeCijfoRhe8TZ0SSKIEk6a-MNjgwB7-B-64E~pWYoHfNgWte-VwCgHX8CCGFPyo6HqXauNH4ZchXdASrUbHBsoB1MUeDAHSqueemJs8a3by23TnSAYzKm2URTvK0fDSLwjU5es-ns6QniNeqqnperbA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Bismarck — The House Appropriations - Government Operations Division spent its Wednesday morning reviewing the Adjutant General's budget request, focusing on maintenance needs, disaster-response funding and construction projects that state officials said would leverage federal matching dollars.

The committee heard an overview from Brig. Gen. Mitch Johnson, Adjutant General of the North Dakota National Guard, who outlined multiple requests including a proposed base maintenance appropriation and one-time funds to match federal construction and mitigation grants. Committee members emphasized the need to understand accounting changes on the long worksheet but generally signaled support for several items while marking others with a question mark for follow-up.

Why it matters: The department manages about $900 million in land and facilities and officials told lawmakers a $6 million state commitment could unlock roughly $24 million in federal funds, producing about $30 million in projects to repair and maintain readiness centers and other facilities. Committee members repeatedly framed the maintenance ask as ‘‘oil change’’ money to prevent larger, more costly repairs later.

Committee members sought clarifying details on how the Armstrong and Burgum budget proposals differed and why some lines showed internal reallocations rather than new spending. Jennifer Sheet, division chief for fiscal and admin services, told the panel the apparent reductions in some operating lines were internal account-code moves to align federal/state match dollars in the agency's Army Guard contracts line.

Major items discussed

- Critical infrastructure/maintenance: The administration proposed a $1.5 million ongoing general‑fund base for a critical infrastructure matching program and $4.5 million in one‑time State Infrastructure Fund (SIF) money; officials said the $6 million combined would be matched by federal funds (they estimated about $24 million federal) and yield roughly $30 million in projects.

- Camp Grafton regional training institute: The department requested $34 million in federal funds for an addition to the regional training institute at Camp Grafton, an item members described as difficult to refuse and marked “okay.”

- Williston Readiness Center design: Lawmakers discussed a $2.5 million general‑fund appropriation for design work on a new Williston readiness center. Col. Cody Volk, director of infrastructure and environment, said construction costs were estimated at about $29 million and that design funding improves chances for federal funding, though there is no guarantee.

- Disaster grants and Storm Act program: The department requested federal authority and matching dollars for disaster-mitigation and Storm Act programs. Officials said roughly $16.6 million in federal Storm Act awards were already offered but the state lacked full authority or matching funds to accept them. The committee was told the Storm Act authorization is a revolving loan structure to fund mitigation projects locally and then recycle repayments for further projects.

- Emergency response fund: The committee reviewed a $2 million recurring access to a disaster relief fund used to pre‑stage resources and cover immediate needs; the department said it has previously used and been reimbursed from FEMA for portions of those expenditures.

Committee process and next steps

Members repeatedly asked staff to flag items for follow‑up and to explain account reclassifications on the long worksheet. Chairman Munson indicated the panel would continue detailed review at the next meeting and that representatives of the Adjutant General’s office would return with supplemental information on specific lines and the timing of any one‑time federal opportunities.

Ending: Lawmakers did not take votes on budget lines in the hearing but placed several items on the committee’s follow‑up list, asking the agency to provide finer fiscal detail (including the location and funding breakdown for several FTEs) before final appropriation decisions are made.","The House Appropriations Government Operations Division heard the Adjutant General's budget request, discussing maintenance funding that would leverage federal dollars, disaster and emergency funds, Camp Grafton training expansion, and design money for a Williston readiness center.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee clears technical questions as Civil Air Patrol, State Radio seek equipment upgrades

Lawmakers review Watch Center staffing request, urged to fund two additional FTEs

Lawmakers question funding for National Guard’s Next Generation Leader program pilot in Bismarck

House Appropriations reviews Adjutant General budget, weighing maintenance, disaster and construction requests