Loading

Dakota Download Governor Burgum's Weekly Update - February 27, 2022

Burgum statement on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

Gov. Doug Burgum released the following statement Thursday regarding Russia’s military attacks on Ukraine.

“We support and pray for the Ukrainian people as they defend themselves against these brazen acts of aggression by Russia and President Putin, which we condemn in the strongest terms possible. The United States and its allies must stand together in support of Ukraine and hold Russia accountable for its unprovoked attacks. This international crisis underscores the importance of U.S. energy security and increasing American production so we can sell energy to our friends and allies versus buying it from our enemies. Our thoughts also are with those of Ukrainian heritage here in North Dakota who are concerned for the safety of their relatives as their homeland is under siege, as well as those North Dakota farmers and businesses with interests in Ukraine.”

Land Board votes to appeal Newfield case but not statute of limitations on disputed royalty payments

The North Dakota Board of University and School Lands (Land Board) issued the following statement after Thursday’s meeting during which the Land Board voted unanimously to continue to appeal a judge’s ruling in a lawsuit over disputed oil and gas royalty payments owed to the state. The Land Board also voted unanimously to not pursue a challenge to the constitutionality of House Bill 1080, which set the statute of limitations for pursuing payments at Aug. 1, 2013.

“The Land Board respects the 2021 legislative process that set the statute of limitations in House Bill 1080, and we have decided not to challenge the constitutionality of that legislation, which means disputed payments originating prior to Aug. 1, 2013, will not be pursued,” said Gov. Doug Burgum, who chairs the Land Board. “The board has a fiduciary responsibility to drive investment in, and maximize returns on, state-owned land and minerals for the benefit of North Dakota citizens. The Land Board recognized that the 67th Legislative Assembly determined that pursuing disputed, decades-old royalty payments was counterproductive to that goal when they passed HB 1080. Furthermore, pursuing these old, disputed royalty payments would continue to discourage needed investment in our oil and gas industry, risking significant tax revenues that support North Dakota schools, cities, counties, water infrastructure, research, outdoor recreation and the Legacy Fund.”

The five-member Land Board consists of Burgum, State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler, State Treasurer Thomas Beadle, Secretary of State Al Jaeger and Attorney General Drew Wrigley.

After an executive session Thursday, the Land Board voted in open session to appeal a district court judge’s ruling in Newfield Exploration Co. v. State of North Dakota, et al. The Land Board decided not to appeal the portion of the ruling that upheld the statute of limitations in House Bill 1080. Thursday’s action allows settlement negotiations to move forward on royalties owed since Aug. 1, 2013.

Water Commission gives green light to treatment plant expansion for southwest pipeline project, approves over $15M for water projects

The North Dakota State Water Commission approved $15.1M in cost-share requests for several municipal, regional and rural water supply projects, as well as projects related to flood control, and general water efforts from across the state Wednesday.

The Water Commission supports local sponsors in development of sustainable water-related projects in North Dakota through the Department of Water Resources (DWR) Cost-Share Program. The primary purpose of the DWR Cost-Share Program is to assist local project sponsors with financial support of water development projects – making them more affordable to local constituents.

"Providing reliable water supplies, flood protection, and other critical water infrastructure is essential to maintaining North Dakota’s high quality of life and supporting the long-term growth of our communities and our economy," Gov. Burgum said. "We appreciate the State Water Commission and the Department of Water Resources for their guidance and support in promoting wise management of our state’s water resources for the benefit of all North Dakotans."

The 10-member Water Commission consists of Burgum as chairman, Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring, and eight members appointed by the governor to serve six-year terms. For additional information, please visit the Department of Water Resources’ website at dwr.nd.gov.

North Dakota ranked top state for military veterans

In a report last week by msn.com, North Dakota was rated as the best state for U.S. veterans.

According to msn.com, the poll, which was released Friday, took into consideration multiple factors including:

  • Veteran population score. This includes the percentage of the state’s adult population who are veterans and year-over-year change in the number of veterans, as predicted by the Department of Veterans Affairs. This indicates how attractive states are to veterans, and also suggests that the specific needs of veterans are more likely to be considered as a matter of state policy and community priority.
  • Veterans Affairs administration score. This includes the number of inpatient, outpatient and VA centers per 100,000 VA enrollees and patient ratings for VA primary care providers and specialist providers. The quality and availability of VA care is a major concern for all Americans, but it’s clear from the data that veterans have very different experiences in different states.
  • Economic score. This includes the median income for veterans, the veteran unemployment rates and the median property tax bill for veterans who own their homes. Some state, county and local governments offer special property tax rates, depending on a variety of factors, such as disability or combat status.
"Our administration has been working hard to make North Dakota the most military-friendly state in the nation, and today we were recognized as the No. 1 state for veterans," Gov. Burgum said. "We're thankful every day for their incredible service and sacrifice and will continue to show our gratitude."

Team ND is working as one to slow the spread of COVID-19.

The North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) and other state agencies continue to work to slow the spread of COVID-19 in North Dakota and administer safe and effective vaccines. In partnership with federal, local and tribal partners, Team ND has tackled this pandemic through a whole-of-government, whole-of-community approach.

  • For the most up-to-date COVID-19 information, see the NDDoH website.
  • NDResponse.gov is your one-stop site for the latest news, as well as state and federal resources for COVID-19.

Save the date!

The sixth annual Governor's Summit on Innovative Education will take place on June 9. More details and registration information will be made available in the coming weeks.