AGP Executive Report

Heat Dome Watch: Meteorologists warn an unusually large, strong, long-lasting heat dome will hit the Northern Plains first, then spread widely, with temperatures 15–25 degrees above normal and dangerous overnight heat that can strain grids, public health, agriculture, and wildfire response. Wildlife Protections: The Trump administration rescinded a decades-old Endangered Species Act interpretation by recasting “harm,” potentially making it easier for farming, drilling, mining, and development to disturb endangered habitat; Earthjustice says it will challenge the rule. Student Aid Changes: UND says federal student loan repayment rules are shifting under the new OBBBA, with the biggest impacts tied to removal of SAVE and Graduate PLUS, plus changes to Parent PLUS and pro-rated undergraduate loan offers. Local Workforce Pipeline: Walsh County is seeing results from the Career Builders program, with 46 participants using it and most employers saying they’ll keep using it, though many rely on local matching funds. Agribusiness & Equipment: CLAAS FARMPOINT opened a new Jamestown location with a larger parts and shop area and more technician capacity for combines, tractors, and forage equipment. Water & Utilities: Riverdale is asking for conservation due to algae clogging its membrane filters, while Jamestown approved a new light and signal utility fee to fund street lights and traffic signals. North Dakota Outdoors: ND Game and Fish reports statewide sharp-tailed grouse counts are unchanged from 2025, despite mixed regional results. Aerospace Marketing: Ad Monkeys, Inc. joined the North Dakota UAS Council to help translate unmanned aircraft growth into clearer business messaging. Public Safety Donations: Jamestown police and fire chiefs thanked Clarice Liechty for major repeat donations totaling $285,000.

AI & Data Centers Policy: North Dakota’s new AI/data center committee released its agenda for its first Bismarck meeting Wednesday, with lawmakers hearing how other states and the federal government regulate AI and ending with a session on how data centers and energy connect. Workforce Pipeline: The ND Department of Commerce opened registration for the 2026 Global Talent Summit (Sept. 3 in Bismarck) aimed at helping employers recruit and retain international talent. UAS Industry Growth: Ad Monkeys, Inc. joined the North Dakota UAS Council, signaling more support for aerospace growth through better messaging and stakeholder education. Water & Utilities: Riverdale is under summer water restrictions after an algae problem clogged membrane filters, cutting daily supply to under 200,000 gallons and forcing daily cleanings. Ag & Ranching: NDSU warns drought and cool spring conditions are shrinking forage growth, with many tame grass pastures expected to see at least a 25% reduction. Public Safety Weather: Meteorologists warn a major heat dome will bring “significant and dangerous” heat across much of the U.S., starting this weekend. Consumer Protection: Multistate AG action announced a $45M settlement with Block over Cash App deceptive practices and fraud protections. Industrial Expansion: North American Iron secured more funding for engineering and permitting toward a Minot pig iron plant, targeting about 650 jobs.

AI & Data Centers: North Dakota’s new AI committee set for its first meeting in Bismarck next week, with lawmakers hearing how other states regulate AI and how data centers link to the energy sector. Workforce: The ND Department of Commerce opened registration for the 2026 Global Talent Summit in Bismarck (Sept. 3), aiming to help employers tackle workforce shortages with international recruiting and retention strategies. Agriculture: NDSU is urging ranchers to plan for supplemental forage as drought and early cool-season stress cut pasture and hay production, with tame grass pastures expected to drop at least 25% statewide. Livestock Health: With a major heat dome building, NWS warns of “significant and dangerous” heat that also raises heat-stress risk for cattle operations. Transportation: Fargo’s I-29/I-94 merge gets daytime lane closures starting July 13, and Bismarck-area I-94 microsurfacing and ramp marking work runs overnight starting July 15. Energy/Infrastructure: USDOT’s BUILD grants total $1.73B nationwide, including $24M for Red River bridge replacements in ND and MN and $1.3B for roads and bridges. Public Safety/Health Services: A legislative update on 988 shows call volume surging and rural answering capacity lagging, pushing more calls to national backup. Finance/Consumer Protection: AG Murrill announced a $45M multistate settlement with Block over Cash App fraud and promised protections. Defense/Local Industry Angle: Air Force Secretary Troy Meink visited Minot AFB to highlight ongoing modernization of Minuteman III and B-52 upgrades. Weather: Meteorologists warn the heat wave may last at least a week, with nighttime temperatures running well above normal.

Workforce & immigration: North Dakota Commerce opened registration for the 2026 Global Talent Summit in Bismarck (Sept. 3) focused on attracting and keeping global talent to close statewide workforce gaps. Local governance & accountability: Minot City Council is weighing a request for a tougher sentence in the Broadway Circle federal funds theft case, where prosecutors recommended two years’ probation and full restitution. Real estate & redevelopment: Minot says progress is slow in the stalled Big M building project, with $2.38M tied up in TIF bonding while the city negotiates with stakeholders and the mortgage holder. Ag & research: NDSU Williston Research Extension Center hosts a free July 10 field day covering dryland and horticulture topics. Community support: North Dakota Community Foundation marks its 50th anniversary with 50 food pantry grants statewide. Rural health workforce: A rural health overhaul is expected to bring $1B over five years, but leaders say staffing—not equipment—is the bottleneck. Infrastructure: DOT plans concrete repairs on Bismarck’s Tyler Parkway starting July 14, with lane reductions through October. Broadband: Bluepeak hit 500,000 fiber passings across six states, including North Dakota. Consumer protection: Attorneys general pushed the FCC to strengthen rules against illegal robocalls, targeting scammers’ access to legitimate phone numbers.

Robocall crackdown: North Dakota AG Liz Murrill joined a multistate push urging the FCC to tighten rules so scammers can’t access legitimate phone numbers—after Americans lost nearly $2B to scam calls and texts last year. Transportation funding: The U.S. DOT announced $1.73B in 2026 BUILD grants, including $24M for I-94 in North Dakota for modern pavement and high-tension cable guard rails. Energy & power: Ward County approved Basin Electric’s wind farm repowering plan for PrairieWinds 1 and Minot Wind, upgrading turbines to generate more power at lower wind speeds (PSC approval still needed). Ag economics: NDSU experts say tariffs and Strait of Hormuz disruptions are hitting farmers hard by diverting exports and pressuring prices. Farm risk tools: USDA will expand crop insurance options for forage producers in North Dakota starting in the 2027 crop year, adding new coverage choices to manage price and yield swings. Fiber buildout: Bluepeak hit 500,000 homes and businesses passed across its multi-state footprint, including North Dakota. Local public works: Stutsman County moved forward on a feasibility study to reduce rising water levels tied to Crystal Springs Lake and western basins.

Cash App Crackdown: North Dakota Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced a $45 million multistate settlement with Block over deceptive Cash App practices, alleging the company misled users about fraud protection and made recovery “nearly impossible.” AI Data Centers: A national pushback is blocking or delaying more than $130 billion in AI data centers, with communities citing higher power costs and grid upgrades—raising questions about where the AI boom lands next. Energy Grid Permitting: Western governors, including North Dakota, launched a task force to speed transmission permitting and coordinate upgrades across state lines. Agriculture Risk Management: USDA expanded crop insurance options for forage producers in North Dakota and other states, adding revenue protection starting with the 2027 crop year. Beef Heat Stress: Extension guidance warns producers to act early on heat stress in cattle, before animals slip into severe conditions. Farm Profit Planning: Dakotafest is set to host a “2027 Profit Roadmap” seminar aimed at helping farmers navigate tight economics. Local Education Oversight: Williston School District is addressing issues flagged in a state audit, including ledger and documentation gaps. Construction Watch: The Military Gallery at the North Dakota Heritage Center paused due to fundraising shortfalls. NDSU Field Day: NDSU’s Agronomy Seed Farm Field Day is scheduled for July 13 near Casselton, covering disease, weed control, and soybean updates.

Ag & Food Processing: Agristo broke ground on a new potato processing plant in Grand Forks, targeting the 2029 harvest and aiming for 1.1 billion pounds of potatoes annually, with up to 300 direct jobs and as much as $1.5B in regional impact. Energy Infrastructure: Western governors—including North Dakota—formed a task force to speed permitting and prioritize upgrades for the regional power grid under the “energy superabundance” agenda, with a dashboard and standardized schedules for high-priority transmission projects. Broadband Expansion: Bluepeak hit 500,000 fiber passings across its multi-state footprint that includes North Dakota, highlighting continued rural and underserved buildout. Local Business & Equipment: RDO Equipment announced it will acquire True North Equipment’s John Deere locations in North Dakota and Minnesota, with a planned Aug. 3 close pending approval. Consumer Protection & Finance: North Dakota’s Farm Bureau president Val Wagner was elected to the American Farm Bureau Federation board, while multiple state AGs pushed the FCC to tighten rules against illegal robocalls and Block/Cash App settlements continue to roll out nationwide.

Energy & Storage Policy: Ward County commissioners sent a proposed battery storage zoning ordinance back to the planning commission after NextEra asked for smaller setbacks (from a half-mile toward a quarter-mile) and a voluntary waiver option, while residents pushed back over noise and other impacts. Ag & Farm Health: A Fargo roundtable is tackling rural farmer mental health and suicide prevention, with leaders pointing to stigma and the need for outreach that reaches producers who may not call 988. Ag Markets: The late-June USDA Acreage Report showed “very little change” for North Dakota-relevant corn and soybean planting—soybeans up, corn roughly steady—keeping U.S. corn/soy acreage near record levels. Potato Processing Investment: Agristo broke ground on a 630,000-square-foot Grand Forks potato facility, targeting frozen food production and projecting major regional economic impact. AI Data Centers: Applied Digital brought 75 MW of Building 2 online at Polaris Forge 1 in Ellendale, lifting operational capacity to 175 MW on a fully leased campus. Coal Innovation Pilot: DOE awarded $75M for coal-related pilots; UND’s Falkirk Mine project will use AI sorting and sensing and explore higher-value lignite uses. Housing Funding: ND Housing Finance Agency opened applications for affordable housing development assistance via HOME, LIHTC, HTF, and the state Housing Incentive Fund. Local Tax Authority: Grand Forks County is moving toward a home rule charter amendment that could let the county set lower maximum mill levy caps, with any change headed to a November vote. Grid Buildout: Otter Tail and Xcel proposed a 150-mile, 345-kilovolt transmission line from near Fargo into South Dakota, with construction targeted for mid-2030s. Transportation Industry: NDDOT is calling for presentations for the 2027 North Dakota Transportation Conference (March 9-10 in Bismarck).

Energy Infrastructure: Otter Tail Power and Xcel Energy are pushing a 150-mile, 345-kilovolt transmission line from near Fargo into South Dakota, with permits and routing underway and construction targeted for mid-2030s. Industrial & Finance: North American Iron says it secured additional follow-on financing to advance its iron ore reclamation and pig iron manufacturing plan—reclaiming stockpiles in Minnesota and shipping to North Dakota for steel supply. Local Governance & Housing/Real Estate: Jamestown City Council approved a light-and-signal utility fee to shift streetlight and traffic-signal costs off the general fund. Agriculture & Research: NDSU Ag Risk Policy Center researchers discussed how tariffs are disrupting U.S. farm exports to China, with diversion hurting prices. Ag Inputs: Canola acreage is projected to hit record levels in North Dakota, signaling stronger demand and expansion. Higher Ed/Workforce: Minot City Council narrowly approved a $500,000 MAGIC Fund investment to launch an innovation engineering program at Minot State University. Environment & Recreation: North Dakota Game and Fish urged “Clean. Drain. Dry.” to slow aquatic nuisance species spread. Community & Culture: BNSF’s Freedom 250 train made a stop in Grand Forks before heading to Kansas.

Energy & Industry: Dakota Gasification’s Great Plains Synfuels plant in North Dakota is still going strong, turning coal into natural gas and fertilizer, with urea/ammonia and other products now driving more than half its income. Economic Development: Grand Forks Region EDC unveiled a 2026-2029 strategic plan targeting 600 net new jobs, higher primary-sector wages, and growth in agribusiness/ag tech, advanced manufacturing, autonomous systems, and defense. Business Expansion (Oil & Gas): Dorchester Minerals agreed to acquire about 3,100 net royalty acres in five Williston Basin counties, with an expected July 31 close. Ag & Markets: USDA/Pro Farmer crop-condition updates show corn ratings steady nationally while soybeans dip slightly; North Dakota’s corn index is listed among state-level figures. Tech Commercialization: North Dakota’s LIFT program is taking applications July 1-30, offering innovation loans (0% first three years) to help companies commercialize new technologies. Infrastructure & Airports: FAA awarded nearly $32M to improve North Dakota airports. Community & Workforce: UND orientation (July 7-10 and 13-15) will route families around active road construction in Grand Forks. Waters & Compliance: ND Game and Fish reminds buyers/sellers to follow the 21-day out-of-water rule to prevent zebra mussels and other aquatic nuisance species. Weather Watch: Severe thunderstorm and tornado risk is flagged for parts of the region, including areas tied to North Dakota activity.

LIFT Innovation Loans: North Dakota Commerce opened the Legacy Investment for Technology (LIFT) program for applications starting July 1, with a July 30 deadline. The 0% interest first three years, then 2% for years four and five, is aimed at helping ND companies commercialize tech in areas like advanced computing, agriculture technology, energy, and value-added agriculture. Aviation Funding: The FAA awarded nearly $32M in Airport Improvement Program grants across North Dakota, including $7.63M for Minot International Airport runway and lighting upgrades, plus smaller projects at Williston, Garrison, and Tioga. Energy & Critical Minerals: DOE awarded UND $75M to recover lignite-based rare earth and critical materials at the Falkirk Mine near Underwood, strengthening the domestic supply chain. Rail for Ag Exports: Grand Forks-based Northern Plains Rail Services highlighted how the CP–Kansas City Southern merger gives it a direct line to Mexico, helping move local ag products through North America. Housing Pressure: Grand Forks builders say land availability, builder capacity, and building codes are key constraints as the region tries to address housing affordability. Military Gallery Pause: Construction on the ND Heritage Center’s Military Gallery is paused due to insufficient private fundraising, with a potential restart date of July 31. Farm Field Days: Williston Research Extension Center Field Days return Friday, July 10, with dryland and horticulture tours and practical research updates. Water Safety for Boaters: ND Game and Fish reminded buyers and sellers to follow aquatic nuisance species rules, including the 21-day out-of-water requirement for docks and lifts.

Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Opens in Medora: North Dakota’s new 96,000-square-foot library is officially welcoming visitors year-round, with a grand opening that leaned hard into TR’s conservation legacy and local values, plus a medicinal garden designed by Native artist Cannupa Hanska Luger to symbolize ongoing tribal partnership work. Grid & Power Infrastructure: Western governors backed WestTEC, a multi-state push to update transmission lines and reduce bottlenecks—while SaskPower received approval to build two international lines to boost capacity between Saskatchewan and North Dakota from 150 to 650 megawatts. Road & Construction Updates: Fargo’s I-29 bridge rehab and I-94 pavement repairs are set to start the week of July 6, with lane reductions and speed limits in work zones. Ag & Rural Business: Minnesota’s down payment grants for new farmers open July 6, and a South Dakota farm-mental-health clinic effort highlights growing demand for support in rural communities. North Dakota in the Spotlight: The state’s booth at the Great American State Fair is drawing strong crowds, aiming to boost awareness and tourism. Energy Costs Watch: GasBuddy reports show North Dakota fuel prices easing in late June, with several county-level lows for regular and diesel.

Regional Infrastructure & Power: Western governors, including North Dakota’s, backed a multi-state push (WestTEC) to update transmission lines and cut bottlenecks across the region. Cross-Border Energy: SaskPower got federal approval to build two international power lines to the U.S., boosting shared capacity from 150 to 650 megawatts, with the lines connecting near Estevan to the North Dakota border. Road & Construction: Fargo-area crews are set to start Interstate 29 bridge rehabilitation and I-94 concrete pavement repairs next week, with lane reductions and a targeted September finish. North Dakota Spotlight: North Dakota’s booth at the Great American State Fair is drawing crowds and boosting awareness ahead of the state’s tourism push. Public Works Milestone: The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora officially opened July 4, with major local and state participation and new interactive exhibits. Rural Safety & Health: A new report highlights how deadly crashes still skew rural, even as fatality rates improve. Grants & Accountability: A North Dakota woman was convicted for stealing $131,000 in after-school state grants, raising fresh questions about oversight of public funds.

Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library opening: Medora’s new 96,000-square-foot library opened July 4 with a full slate of civic and tribal partnership moments, including a medicinal garden designed to symbolize ongoing relationship-building. Local business spotlight: An Arlington, Wis. firm built the library’s signature boardwalk after the team couldn’t find a contractor willing to tackle the unique design. North Dakota economy watch: Jamestown’s first-quarter sales tax collections rose 9% year over year, with construction materials up sharply tied to major projects like Cavendish Farms expansion and the new North Dakota State Hospital. Energy infrastructure: WBI Energy Transmission’s proposed Bakken East gas line is being redesigned with larger pipe diameters in key stretches, boosting long-term capacity expectations for the Red River Valley. Public safety: North Dakota Game and Fish is stepping up boating enforcement for the Fourth of July weekend under Operation Dry Water, targeting impaired operators. Health & compliance: North Dakota-based Power Plate Meals recalled frozen meatloaf meals after soy allergen labeling was missing, with distribution across ND, MN and SD.

Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library: Medora’s new library opened July 4 and kicked off with a renewed focus on tribal partnership, including a medicinal garden designed by Native artist Cannupa Hanska Luger to symbolize ongoing relationship-building. Local Economy & Construction: Jamestown reported first-quarter 2026 taxable sales up 9% vs. last year, driven largely by construction materials tied to major projects like Cavendish Farms’ expansion and the new North Dakota State Hospital. Energy Infrastructure: WBI’s proposed Bakken East gas line is being redesigned with larger pipe sizes in parts of the route, a change that’s boosting long-term optimism for Red River Valley customers. Public Safety: North Dakota Game and Fish is stepping up boating enforcement for the Fourth of July with Operation Dry Water, targeting impaired operators. Food Industry: Power Plate Meals, LLC recalled about 5,795 pounds of frozen meatloaf meals in ND and neighboring states after soy was found but not listed on packaging. Aviation/Defense Industry: A government report says Boeing’s delayed VC-25B Air Force One program has made progress but still faces interior design and wiring work that could push further schedule risk.

Defense & Museums: Construction on North Dakota’s Military Gallery at the Heritage Center in Bismarck is paused through at least July 31 as private fundraising falls short, with the project needing about $12.8M before it can unlock matching state funding. Energy & Grid: SaskPower got approval to expand transmission links to the Southwest Power Pool, boosting capacity toward North Dakota and strengthening cross-border power flexibility. Ag Biosecurity: The U.S. is moving ahead with a $50M screwworm “fly factory” to mass-breed sterile flies and protect cattle and ranching operations from the border-spread parasite. Local Infrastructure: Pembina’s Stutsman Street bridge closure is still hurting access to the golf course, with residents pushing for a temporary pedestrian/cart opening while timelines remain unclear. Aviation & Local Economy: Trump’s Qatar-gifted new Air Force One made its maiden flight and included a North Dakota stop tied to the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library opening. Weather & Safety: A fatal crash in southwestern North Dakota is under investigation after a suspected medical incident led a vehicle into a ditch and tree.