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Dakota Download Governor Burgum's Weekly Update - August 14, 2022

Burgum highlights benefits of FM Area Diversion to metro, state as work begins on flood diversion channel

Gov. Doug Burgum on Tuesday highlighted the benefits of the FM Area Diversion for the Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo metro area and the entire state of North Dakota during a groundbreaking ceremony for the 30-mile diversion channel, a key piece of the comprehensive flood protection project.

The groundbreaking near Argusville was attended by local, state and federal officials and was held in conjunction with the Red River Valley Alliance, which is the Public-Private Partnership (P3) developer for the project – the first P3 of its kind in the nation for flood management – as well as the Metro Flood Diversion Authority and ASN Contractors.

“This is a landmark day for one of the largest infrastructure projects in North Dakota history,” Burgum said, noting the State of North Dakota added to its major commitment to the diversion project last year when the Legislature and the governor approved $435.5 million in bonding that increased the state’s total pledge to $870 million. “By protecting more than 235,000 people, over $25 billion in property value and nearly 20% of our state’s sales tax collections, and reducing the need for flood insurance, this project will save hundreds of millions of dollars for taxpayers while also serving as a national model for how to accomplish a major flood protection project with local, state, federal and private sector collaboration. We are deeply grateful to all the project partners whose tireless work allows us to this celebrate this milestone.”

Construction on the diversion project began in spring 2017, but a U.S. District Court judge approved a temporary injunction in September 2017 ordering work to stop. The ruling recognized the need for permanent flood protection for Fargo-Moorhead and strongly encouraged all parties to work together to agree on a project that can serve the interests of both states and the affected communities.

Burgum and then-Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton met in October 2018 and jointly decided to create the 16-member F-M Area Flood Diversion Task Force to address the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) concerns about the diversion project. The Task Force had eight members from each state, including representatives of upstream and downstream interests. Burgum and Dayton co-chaired the Task Force, which convened five times in three months – aided by technical subcommittees that spent hundreds of hours analyzing alternatives – to try to reach consensus on components of the project. The group’s work led to the diversion authority submitting a new permit application to the DNR in March 2018, which was ultimately granted.

Substantial completion of the diversion project is expected by 2027.

Burgum thanks Panos for service after NDDOT director submits resignation; Henke to serve as interim director

Gov. Burgum on Wednesday thanked North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) Director Bill Panos for his impactful service to the state after Panos submitted his resignation effective Sept. 9, citing family obligations in his home state of California. Burgum announced NDDOT Deputy Director of Engineering Ron Henke will serve as interim director.

Burgum appointed Panos as NDDOT director in August 2019, noting his extensive leadership experience and long history of managing major infrastructure projects and large organizations. Panos had most recently served as Wyoming’s DOT director.

“Under Bill’s outstanding leadership, the Department of Transportation has made significant progress in many areas including traffic safety, strategic planning and improved access for constituents, especially to online services,” Burgum said. “We are deeply grateful for his service, which has positioned the NDDOT for success in an environment of rapid technological change and significant infrastructure investment in North Dakota and across the nation. We wish him all the best in the future and respect his commitment to his family.”
“It has been an amazing journey serving NDDOT for the last 3 years. I am enormously proud of the accomplishments of our NDDOT team. This family of engineers, planners, mechanics, accountants, administrators, technicians, creators, and innovators have redefined our culture and expanded who we have helped,” Panos stated in his resignation letter, adding, “I ask you to understand that my decision comes after months of reflection on my family needs and personal goals and at no cost to my hopefulness for North Dakota’s future or the impact I know it can have. The state is transforming, and Team ND will play a fundamental role in shaping it.”

The NDDOT has 982 team members and a biennial budget of $2.2 billion to build and maintain a safe, efficient transportation system consisting of approximately 8,518 miles of roadway and 4,858 bridges. It oversees the development of surface transportation including highways, bridges, transit, pedestrian and bicycle paths across the state. Annually, the department processes more than 1 million vehicle registrations and serves over 500,000 licensed drivers at branch offices located throughout North Dakota. The NDDOT is an innovative and progressive organization that has a team of employees working hard across the state to carry out the department’s mission to safely move people and goods.

Water Commission approves $35.4M in cost-share for water projects

At the North Dakota State Water Commission (SWC) meeting chaired by Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford on Thursday, the Commission approved $35.4 million in cost-share requests. The Commission voted to approve funding for several municipal, regional and rural water supply projects, as well as projects related to flood control and general water.

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.

The largest cost-share approval at Thursday's meeting included $9.6 million for the Western Area Water Supply Authority’s McKenzie County Water Resource District System 4 project. This project is for the construction of a ground storage reservoir and installation of over 138 miles of transmission pipeline to provide service to 83 additional connections for residential and agricultural services.

“We’re grateful to the Water Commission members, Department of Water Resources Director Andrea Travnicek and team members at the DWR for ensuring water projects across the state continue to move forward and support the citizens of North Dakota and our economy,” Sanford said.

Submit your nominations for the Governor's Awards for Excellence in Public Service

Every day, members of Team ND are making a difference in the lives of our fellow North Dakotans to Empower People, Improve Lives and Inspire Success. Team members at every level are going above and beyond to put our citizens first by working across teams, agencies and branches to solve problems and rise above challenges.

The Governor’s Awards for Excellence in Public Service are an opportunity for each of us to share our gratitude for the many individuals who collectively make Team ND a world-class organization dedicated to its citizens. We encourage all members of Team ND to think about those team members that go above and beyond to serve citizens, to support the team and to create a stronger North Dakota. Then, recognize their efforts with a nomination for a Governor’s Award!

Nominations will be accepted through Aug. 19, and team members can submit several nominations across nine award types:

  • Heritage Award for Excellence in Citizen Focus
  • Telegraph Award for Excellence in Technology
  • Pioneer Award for Excellence in Innovation
  • Zezula Award for the One Who Helps
  • Landmark Award for Excellence in People Management
  • Frontier Award for Excellence in Continuous Learning
  • Harvest Award for Excellence in Quality
  • Sodbuster Award for Excellence in Growth Mindset
  • Roaming Bison Award for Excellence in Work as One Culture (team award)

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.