[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-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",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":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,"_75":74},"mediaId",6087209,"mediaKeyId","2891419-acdaf931f27a048c0fb3c0b2e58e5617","parentId",2891419,"title","Appropriations committee hears $15 million request to expand Research & Technology Park’s commercialization work","audioSeconds",2476,"startMs",2904000,"endMs",5380000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2891419-acdaf931f27a048c0fb3c0b2e58e5617&start=2904&end=5380","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2891419-acdaf931f27a048c0fb3c0b2e58e5617/thumbnail_2904000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6087209/North-Dakota/Appropriations-committee-hears-15-million-request-to-expand-Research-Technology-Parks-commercialization-work","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6087209-65579cab029109903faebb0b80e3dc46/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448112&Signature=VsvReEG-u4KCPNaCJhZMoCXeXJfx2oiUBMsyV5utJ4LdSwDQKX8LX3XiOJDPvddZWOBq6rsc3kStZANXSpi8-UtSaCrJo8ZrmtKbwEzaJG14EHa1i2Go9kvh25aXuykMNzDqDsYnmsm-pZFflFl2Z3KAQhhBMm6PRKBuaNtDUTzHKKkWq3q3im-iFi3U~K2D6CerksVECrXItbWRuiBmSCQ3X0Z38UOySWoYBSHMMi-WIgewi6WiIAoenGRyFhO~pBZcgbeJXs~tQ33cLH9kUQZLCuDepBRJjbInPHBzVC81JW-lYtu9Qz-FsuKhnOqbzzwxD9ghAn1ZkM90HVxAVQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","North Dakota State Legislature","date","2025-04-07T00:00:00Z","article","Chairman Austin Shower presented Senate Bill 2256 to the committee as a request for one‑time state support to scale the Research and Technology Park in Fargo. The sponsor described a new business model to convert university and local research into commercial products for precision agriculture, defense and related markets.

Park representatives said the proposal seeks $7.5 million in state grant funding plus $7.5 million in matching funds to invest in infrastructure, technical staff and an entrepreneurial environment. CEO Brenda Wyland described the Park as a 501(c)(3) spun out of NDSU in 1999 with an industry‑heavy board and said the current strategy narrows focus to automation, robotics, sensing and AI that serve both ag and defense markets.

Wyland and other witnesses emphasized a planned collaboration with Carnegie Mellon’s National Robotics Engineering Center and cited examples of successful university‑industry translation at Carnegie Mellon, Stanford Research Institute and Purdue as models. “Having the ability to tap into [Carnegie Mellon’s] technical expertise while we build that critical mass here is exactly what we’re interested in doing,” Wyland said.

Lawmakers asked for details on governance, ownership, intellectual property (IP) policy and how the park will avoid competing with private companies. Wyland said the park will negotiate IP and contract terms case by case and will not “give IP away”; contracts may include background IP, foreground IP and negotiated licensing arrangements. She described the park’s role as problem‑solving, prototyping and helping companies scale to commercialization rather than becoming a direct manufacturing competitor.

Committee members pressed on board structure and state relationships. Wyland said the Park is an independent nonprofit with a 10‑member board, three seats reserved for NDSU and seven industry seats. She also said the park is rebranding to reduce confusion over the NDSU name. Representative Bosch and others sought specifics on ownership, tenant leases, ground‑lease income and whether the park would build and sell or retain facilities; Wyland said tenants could build on park land and that the park expects continued collaboration with the university and regional partners.

Supporters argued the investment would accelerate high‑value engineering jobs and royalties, contract revenue and lease income. Chair Schauer and others noted local and federal relationships including retired military endorsement and Senator Hoeven’s engagement. No formal committee vote occurred on SB 2256 during the hearing; committee members asked for follow‑up on IP policy templates, partnership agreements with Carnegie Mellon and a more detailed business and capital plan.

Notes: The Park currently hosts more than 600 workers and supporters estimate average salary contributions; the bill places reporting and oversight with the Industrial Commission and legislative management and describes the funding as one‑time.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Appropriations Monday, Apr 7, 2025 8:26 AM - 11:49 AM","oneSentenceSummary","Senate Bill 2256 seeks a $7.5 million grant plus $7.5 million in matching funds to accelerate commercialization, engineering capacity and industry partnerships at the Research and Technology Park in Fargo; presenters said the park will focus on precision agriculture and defense applications and partner with Carnegie Mellon’s robotics center.","taxTitle","Appropriations, House of Representatives, Legislative, North Dakota","taxId",28310,"location","North Dakota","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6087214,"House Appropriations approves due-pass on bill to mail voter guides for ballot measures",2503,2762000,5265000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2891419-acdaf931f27a048c0fb3c0b2e58e5617&start=2762&end=5265","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2891419-acdaf931f27a048c0fb3c0b2e58e5617/thumbnail_2762000.jpg","/articles/6087214/North-Dakota/House-Appropriations-approves-due-pass-on-bill-to-mail-voter-guides-for-ballot-measures","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6087214-401ec8cfed6827fff1015082474f44fb/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448112&Signature=hgsFIYEeaOvM6c7qzsOCoK~ngN5lRTOFKjARQFVHV8f6-KLGpy~Nor6b~iSO5GDCAO4lY4fxUYkqAuiLGq5LKrDdcKu5rCYPyAv8UM7v7nbVM96AzjLPNqbqbwR79kr-KdZAQfc0LxNAobBQ16-Rfwpa8mYqwineO3THsXSYMGeUwWPAkSaUsLZznV6QL3y3OFwURV1AHQtXBRvQgztiRkNolNT1ThLoOxD1yBI61ZpM-PYdSw03OcIsxqSYUl9wSRHZmXmxon7yqqPXrZ40wQUoU35A5zGhGrzEGPeppWpRimE8tCGc8tlVDJq2lWj6rePaNDN6DIJpwxP45yGOMA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Bill 2230 would require the Secretary of State to create and mail voter guides about statewide ballot measures to “active voters” at least 45 days before an election. Chairman Austin Shower explained to the House Appropriations Committee that the guides would include an objective summary, anticipated fiscal impact, origin of the measure (legislature or petition), and an objective analysis of votes in favor and opposed.

Secretary of State Michael Howard testified in favor of the bill’s intent and said the mailed materials would not duplicate existing requirements to keep ballot language readable; instead, the guides would provide more in‑depth, objective explanations than fit on a ballot. Howard said the guides would also be posted on the secretary’s website and at voting locations and shared through social media. “Our office is never gonna shy away from the opportunity of getting trusted election information out to the hands of voters,” he said.

The bill’s appropriation request is $600,000 for one‑time costs: $400,000 for postage and $200,000 for printing and envelopes; sponsors said bulk postage estimates range from $0.38 to $0.50 per piece and the funding would cover two elections in the biennium. The sponsor told the committee this would be targeted to active voters who have participated in a statewide election in the past four years to increase the likelihood recipients will engage the materials.

Committee members generally supported the proposal as a voter-education tool. Representative Hansen noted the League of Women Voters’ vote411.org site provides similar content online but not mailed to voters; Representative Murphy said the Secretary of State’s office is an appropriate, nonpartisan source to provide objective information. Representative Wagner raised concerns about the requirement that public funds not be used for referendum advocacy under the corrupt practices act; Secretary Howard said the office will strive for objectivity but will face criticism and will “do our best to make this as objective as I can.”

Representative Meyer moved and Representative Pyle seconded a due‑pass motion. The committee approved the due‑pass motion on a roll call (motion carried 19 yes, 4 absent/not voting). The committee record shows the motion passed and the bill will move to the next stage of consideration.

Notes: The bill specifies mailing at least 45 days prior to election day (selected to precede absentee ballots), targets active voters, and contemplates posting the same materials at voting locations and online.","The committee advanced Senate Bill 2230 directing the Secretary of State to mail objective voter guides to active voters at least 45 days before elections; the bill includes a one‑time $600,000 appropriation for printing and postage to cover two elections in a biennium.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6087219,"Committee hears request for $3 million line of credit to complete Fargo National Cemetery improvements",2114,726000,2840000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2891419-acdaf931f27a048c0fb3c0b2e58e5617&start=726&end=2840","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2891419-acdaf931f27a048c0fb3c0b2e58e5617/thumbnail_726000.jpg","/articles/6087219/North-Dakota/Committee-hears-request-for-3-million-line-of-credit-to-complete-Fargo-National-Cemetery-improvements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6087219-216ac31b85a9be0f090188f5a8fd77a7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448112&Signature=FncQADt0sDPGJ55J5O~iJTxlTGbj5xPEVp~oT3fBRWH1a1MX7spkJ3FHUGOtNtiyEo-G9hrXcXcEw5KEeOWmzbmEVh7RuE04Md~FkpB8ym8YSYjiRsEIOz4oUyTd~mC5ZNyCTPa1REsn~EGPPqC-vAne5OmR0~gWf5dTaNrNTU5ilkkRxQQ01tLXJpMBCwQSGQO9Ep7wlq7-ErzLgEVPf8VLKKK7yWE1~6IfOrl5aFI46CSJiJt-18eD4s1yvmdlrFzk0bOLvzC0ie7FZWF8x3yRfRinqGqCsYHk6U3wbuc9QPAa2x0TUV16JNToMuxJzDdzmqSy0KQldk3YmPwf1g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Chairman Austin Shower told the House Appropriations Committee that Senate Bill 2265 would provide the Fargo National Cemetery a line of credit of up to $3,000,000 to improve facilities for families and honor guard members.

The bill’s sponsor said the cemetery, dedicated in 2019, has expanded from 5 to 35 acres and has room for roughly 3,200 additional burials, but currently lacks indoor assembly space, permanent restrooms, adequate parking, a gallery honoring veterans, a hearse garage and an office for staff. “We can do better,” Shower said, describing how funerals now rely on a vault toilet and a porta-potty that freezes in winter.

Supporters told the committee the local Fargo Memorial Honor Guard has raised $1,400,000 toward an estimated $5,000,000 plan and is seeking a $3,000,000 line of credit from the state to complete prioritized construction. Shower said the line of credit would be available July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027 and that a deficiency appropriation would be requested only if the line is accessed.

Committee members questioned project timing, coordination with potential gifts from Minnesota and federal involvement. Shower and Senator Scott Meyer, who attended as prime sponsor, told lawmakers the project is subject to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) review and approval. “Once it’s complete, accepted by the VA, it goes over completely to federal control,” Shower said, describing the cemetery’s planned transfer to VA ownership and maintenance once the VA accepts the project.

Lawmakers pressed for clarity on triggers for accessing state funds. Representative Bosch asked whether the line of credit was triggered by federal or Minnesota contributions; Shower replied the single trigger would be VA approval. Representatives also raised questions about construction cost estimates, long-term operating staffing (the honor guard is volunteer-run now) and the scope of fundraising already completed.

Some members said they supported the goal but wanted assurances projects be designed to VA standards before committing state dollars. Representative Pyle noted a chapel reference in the bill the presenter had not emphasized and suggested removing or reprioritizing it in favor of bathrooms and parking. Representative Richter asked whether the cemetery would divert veterans from local burial sections; presenters said burial choices remained a family decision and that the Fargo site aims to meet demand regionally.

The committee did not take a formal vote on SB 2265 during this hearing. Members asked for follow-up details about engineering plans, fundraising commitments from neighboring states and whether the bank of North Dakota language should be clarified to assign deficiency appropriation authority only to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

If moved forward by the committee, any use of state funds would require the VA to approve the project; supporters said that federal acceptance would transfer long‑term operation and maintenance responsibilities to the VA.

Notes: The testimony emphasized that the state’s role would be conditional on federal approval and that local fundraising and federal advocacy (including support from U.S. senators) remain active elements of the financing strategy.","Lawmakers heard testimony on Senate Bill 2265 asking state approval for a $3 million line of credit to help complete indoor facilities, parking and other improvements at the Fargo National Cemetery; project financing remains contingent on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs approval and other donations.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Appropriations committee hears $15 million request to expand Research & Technology Park’s commercialization work

House Appropriations approves due-pass on bill to mail voter guides for ballot measures

Committee hears request for $3 million line of credit to complete Fargo National Cemetery improvements