News

Gov. Doug Burgum released the following statement today after the Biden administration announced it will begin lifting restrictions at the U.S.-Canada border in November to allow nonessential travelers who have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19 to enter the United States via land and ferry. Canada reopened its border to vaccinated U.S. citizens for nonessential travel on Aug. 9.

Gov. Doug Burgum today delivered opening remarks to kick off the 2021 Main Street ND Summit, emphasizing the importance of building smart, efficient infrastructure that allows communities to differentiate themselves so they can attract and retain a 21st century workforce and attract new investment. 

With more than 17,000* open and available online job openings in September 2021, the North Dakota Department of Human Services’ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) is reminding employers that people with disabilities are a valuable workforce resource and that the division can help connect them with qualified applicants to meet their workforce needs or retain quality employees.

The North Dakota Department of Commerce announced today that two companies were approved a total of $1.1 million in loan and venture funds through the North Dakota Development Fund (NDDF) during the third quarter of 2021.

Gov. Doug Burgum along with North Dakota Commerce Tourism and Marketing Director Sara Otte Coleman and North Dakota Council on the Arts Executive Director Kim Konikow today presented the winning submissions from the 18th annual North Dakota Governor’s Photo Contest at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum.  

Andrea Travnicek, Ph.D., Director of the Department of Water Resources, today announced John Paczkowski as State Engineer for the Department of Water Resources, noting his considerable dedication, strong leadership, and vast knowledge of North Dakota’s water resources.

The North Dakota Department of Commerce announced today that their Community Services Division received more than $7.5 million in funding for weatherization, and energy furnace and cooling repair programs.

Gov. Doug Burgum and chief medical officers and physicians from several of the state’s largest hospitals today warned that hospital capacity in North Dakota is reaching critical levels and urged the public to help reduce the need for hospitalization.

Beginning this heating season, North Dakotans who need help paying for their winter heating bills can apply online for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The heating assistance program is the final program to be added to the state’s online Self-Service Portal and Consolidated Eligibility System (SPACES). Individuals can also apply locally at a human service zone office or by mail if they prefer.

Gov. Doug Burgum today unveiled his “Accelerate ND” plan containing his executive recommendations to the state Legislature for strategically investing federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). As part of the plan, the governor also proposed using a portion of the state’s near-record ending fund balance from the 2019-21 budget to provide an estimated $207 million of income tax relief over two years, support economic development and provide long-term cost savings to North Dakota taxpayers, all without raising taxes.