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Dakota Download Governor Burgum's Weekly Update - October 2, 2022

Burgum joins Montana governor, Canadian premiers in urging feds to restore pre-pandemic hours at border

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

The joint letter signed by Burgum, Gianforte, Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and Alberta Premier Jason Kenney requests that the U.S. and Canada work together to reinstate full hours of operation at shared ports of entry, saying doing so will improve trade activity and reduce inflationary pressure on both sides of the border.

Burgum noted that the Canadian government announced this week it is dropping all COVID-19 restrictions for travelers on Oct. 1. The joint letter also refers to President Biden’s recent comment that the pandemic is over.

“Resuming pre-pandemic hours of operation at our shared ports of entry is long overdue. We strongly urge our federal governments to remove this burden that forces travelers and businesses to drive long distances and spend more on fuel and labor, incurring unnecessary costs at a time of high inflation and workforce challenges,” Burgum said. “Continuing down this current path will only further damage our economy and fuel concerns that these reduced hours of operation may become permanent, which would run counter to longstanding efforts to ensure that people and goods can move freely across the border between our friendly nations.”

The joint letter also was sent to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Canadian Minister of Public Safety Marco Mendicino. Last week, Burgum welcomed a decision by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to temporarily expand hours of operation at three ports of entry on the U.S.-Canada border in North Dakota.

Burgum reopens public input period for Red Tape Reduction Working Group until Oct. 10

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

Burgum issued an executive order on Aug. 18 creating the Red Tape Reduction Working Group to bolster ongoing efforts to identify antiquated, unnecessary and burdensome regulations, rules and policies that could be changed or eliminated to reduce burdens and lower costs for North Dakota citizens and the private sector and make state government more efficient, effective and nimble.

The initial public input period closed Sept. 5 but has now been reopened based on feedback from the public and state-level boards and commissions. Burgum announced at the Greater North Dakota Chamber Policy Summit on Tuesday that members of the public may continue to submit their ideas through Oct. 10 via the Governor’s Office website.

In addition to accepting public input, the working group is collaborating across all cabinet agencies and participating non-cabinet agencies to review regulations, restrictions, requirements, red tape and policy that has become outdated, burdensome and inefficient.

The working group will review recommendations for changes to the North Dakota Century Code and state Administrative Code and prepare a comprehensive Red Tape Reduction Act for consideration by the 68th Legislative Assembly in 2023.

Sanford moderates panel, visits with board at Lignite Energy Council annual meeting

Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford attends the Lignite Energy Council board meeting to share how North Dakota is supporting coal, oil and biofuels with a focus on innovation over regulation.

Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford this week attended the Lignite Energy Council board meeting and hosted a panel on U.S. energy reliability and independence at the Lignite Energy Council annual meeting.

On Tuesday, Sanford discussed the exciting North Dakota Clean Sustainable Energy Authority projects in motion, and how the administration is committed to supporting coal, oil and biofuels with a focus on innovation over regulation.

On Thursday at the Bismarck Event Center, Sanford hosted a panel discussion with John Weeda and Claire Vigesaa of the North Dakota Transmission Authority, discussing the future and reliability of power grids in the U.S. and their visions for meeting the growing demand for power.

Registration for North Dakota Cyber Madness tournament for middle school students is open

North Dakota Chief Information Officer Shawn Riley announced the upcoming Cyber Madness Middle School tournament. The North Dakota Middle School Cyber Madness tournament is a two-round challenge designed for, and open to, all North Dakota middle school students. Students will work in teams of four to solve a variety of cybersecurity challenges. Round one will be held virtually and conducted statewide on Oct. 28.

Prior experience with cybersecurity is not required for participation. Students will be provided instruction and resources with our partners from CYBER.ORG, who are moderating the event.

Participants will Capture the Flag (CTF) – a competition format for a fun, interactive cybersecurity challenge. The CTF is set up ‘Jeopardy-style’, where users will choose a challenge from a board similar to a game of Jeopardy.

The top 10 qualifying teams—five teams from the east and five teams from the west-- advance to the finals where in-person, simultaneous events will take place in Minot and Grand Forks on Nov. 18. The ten finalist teams will compete for the statewide crown and awards.

During the final competition, students will use real-world security tools in a virtual environment made up of Windows machines, Linux machines and servers.

CYBER.ORG will provide the Cyber Range which will test students' problem-solving skills, research abilities and understanding of cybersecurity concepts.

Students interested in participating in the competition should understand concepts around security and computer networks. Knowledge materials and instruction will be provided to the students. Regardless of skill level, the tournament is an opportunity to learn new skills and concepts while working in a safe environment.

"Bringing this tournament to North Dakota middle school is invaluable. NDIT is committed to increasing the number of young people going into the pipeline for this important professional field,” Riley said. “Our hope is this tournament will be a key step toward that important goal."

Boards and Commissions openings

Currently, there are many boards or commissions openings accepting applications.

Boards and Commissions is made up of North Dakota citizens appointed to represent their community and peers as they help influence policies and programs that play an instrumental and invaluable role to help Empower People, Improve Lives and Inspire Success.

The Governor appoints to over 150 Boards and Commissions representing a wide variety of industries.

To be considered for an appointment candidates are invited to complete the application located below.