AGP Executive Report

Rural Health Tech Funding: North Dakota HHS is offering about $500,000 per awardee to help rural providers upgrade electronic medical records under the Rural Health Transformation Program, aiming to improve care coordination and outcomes. Critical Minerals Push: DOE selected the University of North Dakota for negotiations on a $75M rare earth and critical materials recovery pilot at Falkirk Mine in Underwood, building on ND lignite-based research. AI Data Center Expansion: Applied Digital says it completed Phase I of Building 2 at its Ellendale campus, bringing 175MW live capacity (with 400MW contracted long term). Water Infrastructure Cleanup: Cities including Mandan are hunting hazardous lead service lines using state-supported engineering help; West Fargo says it found lead lines in a limited older neighborhood, while still tracking hundreds of unknowns. Airport Improvements: FAA awarded $32M for 11 airport projects across North Dakota, including runway and lighting upgrades in Bismarck, Dickinson, Minot and Fargo. Construction & Travel Alerts: Mandan’s Main Street/Memorial Highway intersection starts lane reductions July 6 for watermain and roadway work; ND 41 briefly closes through Velva July 4. Public Safety: FEMA approved $4.3M for disaster recovery and hazard mitigation in the Dakotas, including ND electric infrastructure repairs. Health Fraud Case: Minnesota charged a Fargo-area resident with alleged Medicaid fraud tied to unlicensed counseling billed using other providers’ identities. Agriculture Field Days: NDSU’s North Central Research Extension Center hosts a July 15 field day, with additional dry bean field days set for July 21 (Forest River) and July 22 (Hatton). Local Industry Spotlight: A Southwest Area Ag Show in Taylor drew regional businesses and vendors, mixing equipment displays with community events.

Energy & Grid Buildout: Western governors, including North Dakota, backed WestTEC and a permitting-coordination task force (PACT) to speed transmission upgrades across the region. Oil & Pipelines: South Bow and Bridger Pipeline are planning a new crude line from Guernsey, Wyoming to Cushing, Oklahoma—positioned as a third leg of an Alberta-to-Cushing corridor. Critical Minerals: The U.S. Department of Energy made UND’s College of Engineering and Mines eligible for a rare-earths pilot using North Dakota lignite, part of a $75M push to strengthen domestic supply chains. Ag & Food Safety: Emerald ash borer was detected again in Cass County, while a multi-state peach recall (including North Dakota) warns of possible Salmonella contamination. Local Agribusiness M&A: The Arthur Companies completed its acquisition of Beach Cooperative Grain Company, expanding western ND grain and agronomy services. Public Land & Conservation: Conservation leaders criticized Trump and Doug Burgum over alleged moves that could weaken Theodore Roosevelt-era public land protections as the new library opens. Weather & Safety: Heavy Plains storms and wildfire risk continue to shape regional conditions, with ND roadwork and closures also planned for the July 4 holiday.

Energy & Trade: President Trump told audiences in North Dakota that Strait of Hormuz shipping is hitting record levels and that “the oil is dropping,” tying lower energy prices to a “golden age” pitch while also warning China won’t take over the Panama Canal. Power Costs: MDU filed with the North Dakota Public Service Commission for a $34.5M (14.5%) electric rate increase, citing higher operations and maintenance costs and system upgrades. Storm Recovery: Gov. Kelly Armstrong declared a statewide disaster for early June storms after an estimated $4.6M in damage to electrical infrastructure and impacts to homes, farms, and businesses. Construction & Infrastructure: ND DOT starts I-94 concrete pavement repair (Veterans Blvd to Red River) and I-29 bridge structure rehabilitation in Fargo, with lane reductions beginning the week of July 6. Aviation/Tech: Northern Plains UAS Test Site opened Vantis BVLOS capabilities to operators at no cost starting July 1, aiming to speed up drone use in areas like agriculture and inspections. Wildlife & Agriculture: North Dakota’s spring breeding duck survey fell below the long-term average for the first time in 33 years, with habitat losses tied to declining CRP and wetland counts. Health Workforce: ND HHS opened a $500,000 grant opportunity for rural hospital wellness equipment to support staff mental and physical well-being. AI/Data Centers: Nixxy and Tachyon 9 promoted the $1B Nakota Data Campus in North Dakota, positioning it as power-first, carbon-conscious AI infrastructure with low-water cooling.

Theodore Roosevelt Library Opening: President Trump visited North Dakota to kick off the July 4 opening of the $450M Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, with the first official visitor stop and a big tech-forward experience built into the Badlands. Rural Health & Youth Mental Health: North Dakota’s Rural Health Transformation plan is rolling out prevention-focused youth mental health efforts, including “Vision Zero” style goals for teen suicide and more in-person connection for students. AI Data Centers in ND: Applied Digital says Phase 1 of Building 2 at Polaris Forge 1 is now Ready for Service, delivering 75 MW operational AI capacity and bringing live campus capacity to 175 MW. Energy Grid Permitting Push: Western states are coordinating to speed transmission line approvals, with North Dakota included in the broader effort to cut permitting red tape as power demand rises. Agriculture & Trade: U.S. soybean leaders are pitching collaboration with Nigeria to close the protein gap, while China’s renewed soybean buying is improving markets but still leaving farmers facing uncertainty. Local Development: Grand Forks City updates include progress on redevelopment planning for major sites and incentives tied to housing and mixed-use projects.

Presidential tourism + local construction: President Trump is set to visit North Dakota this week ahead of the July 4 opening of the $450M Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, spotlighting a major Badlands-area buildout and the state’s role in the America 250 celebrations. Severe weather recovery: Gov. Kelly Armstrong declared a statewide disaster after June 7-9 storms caused about $4.6M in damage to electrical infrastructure and hit six counties, with tornadoes, high winds and large hail driving the response and possible FEMA steps. Energy + grid planning: Western governors backed a $60B push to expand transmission lines, and the broader theme is clear: AI and electrification are straining power delivery, pushing utilities and regions toward faster grid upgrades. Oil production momentum: U.S. crude output hit a record 13.93M bpd in April, with North Dakota rising to about 1.13M bpd. AI power demand reality check: A new national focus is shifting from AI software to electricity supply, as data centers and AI “campuses” face long waits for interconnection and equipment. Local infrastructure disruption: A bridge closure in Pembina is cutting off access to the golf course, parks and airport, with residents pressing for answers and shorter detours. Safety + transportation: ND DOT and State Patrol are outlining Medora traffic plans for the July 1-5 holiday period, including delays tied to the president’s visit. Agriculture industry leadership: U.S. Wheat Associates named Kansas farmer Gary Millershaski as chairman, replacing ND’s Jim Pellman. Banking + community finance: Bank of North Dakota released its 2025 annual report, highlighting disaster relief programs and modernization progress.

Banking & Finance: Bank of North Dakota released its Strong Banking 2025 Annual Report, posting net income of $231.8M and highlighting modernization plus a record five disaster relief programs that helped agriculture producers with grain bin replacements. Outdoor Recreation & Trails: North Dakota Parks and Recreation’s Recreational Trails Program drew 17 applications totaling $3.48M in requests, with Jamestown’s White Cloud Trail Extension (McElroy/Liechty connections) winning $250,000 to close a multi-use gap. Agriculture & Livestock Markets: NDSU and University of Minnesota Extension will host a sheep and goat marketing outlook webinar July 15, focusing on supply/demand shifts tied to drought and limited supply. Irrigation Research: The Nesson Valley Irrigation Research & Development Project is expanding its Technological Transfer Facility (estimated $3.5M total; $2.1M already appropriated) to boost research, training, and producer support. USDA Farm Reporting: USDA’s Farm Service Agency is rolling out acreage reporting modernization to reduce paperwork, with July 15 a key deadline for many crops. Local Business & Growth: Panda Express is confirmed for the old Ground Round site in Grand Forks, with a new drive-through planned after demolition. Community Events: Spring Lake Nature Center’s free Roots & Wings Festival returns July 11 in Williston, and Fort Ransom’s Sodbuster Days runs July 11-12. Energy & Tech Markets: Ouster shares jumped 14% and Aeva 11% on renewed “physical AI” interest, with Ouster’s Rev8 lidar sensors now compliant with the Build America, Buy America rules for eligible federal infrastructure projects.

Energy & AI Infrastructure: Applied Digital CEO Wes Cummins warns AI data-center builds may face “pretty significant delays through 2026 and 2027,” citing labor constraints and intense pressure on power and infrastructure. Power Market Watch: A new report says permitting red tape could derail 92 GW of clean power as AI-driven electricity demand surges, with cancellations already hitting federal land. Local Economic Signals: North Dakota’s personal income jumped 22.4% in Q1 as oil prices rose, even as output barely moved—an inflation-adjusted disconnect highlighted in new GDP figures. Energy Infrastructure & Culture: Enbridge announced a $2.5M founding gift for the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, supporting sustainability and prairie restoration. Agriculture & Risk: Corn and soybean condition ratings show mixed movement in USDA updates, while drought and variable weather pressures keep pushing farmers to adapt. Road & Construction: ND DOT begins I-94 Business Loop structure replacement east of Valley City July 6 (closure through Aug. 3), and US 83 south of Minot gets a mill/overlay starting July 6 with lane restrictions. Business Growth: Bank of North Dakota released its 2025 annual report, touting net income of $231.8M and continued modernization and disaster-relief support. Workforce/Community: ND Association of Nonprofit Organizations hired its first full-time executive director, Kayla Deitch, backed by an $80,000 grant. Public Safety: ND DOT and State Patrol issued Medora traffic plans for America’s 250th, with major impacts expected during President Trump’s July 1 visit.

Road & Construction Updates: ND DOT is set to start an I-94 Business Loop structure replacement east of Valley City on July 6, closing the loop between 12th Ave SE and 7th St SE/Wolski Plaza Rd through Aug. 3, with a signed detour via 8th Ave SW and I-94. Traffic Planning for America’s 250th: ND DOT and the State Patrol rolled out a temporary traffic plan for Medora from June 30–July 5, including free parking/shuttles and expected major impacts July 1 during President Trump’s visit. Minot Highway Work: U.S. 83 southbound lanes south of Minot will get a mill and overlay starting July 6, with one-lane traffic, 40 mph limits, and delays up to 15 minutes. Local Business Growth: ND Commerce awarded $600,000 to 15 Native American-owned businesses through its Native American Small Business Support Program. Agriculture Watch: USDA crop progress shows corn ratings slightly down overall, while the Pro Farmer Crop Condition Index ticks up for North Dakota. Legal/Property Rights: The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear a North Dakota landowners’ eminent domain compensation dispute tied to a WBI Energy Transmission natural gas pipeline. Energy & AI Pressure: A new report warns permitting red tape could derail 92 GW of clean power just as AI-driven electricity demand surges. Aviation/Travel: Williston’s Delta Connection flights to Minneapolis-St. Paul end Sept. 7, 2026. Water Safety: ND Game and Fish urges boat and dock owners to follow the 21-day out-of-water rule to prevent zebra mussels.

Agriculture & Trade: New York farmers can apply for up to $25,000 in tariff relief under a $30 million state program, a move that echoes research from North Dakota State University showing tariffs on farm inputs like chemicals, fertilizer and machinery can cost farmers heavily. Weather & Risk: The Storm Prediction Center flagged a 30% damaging wind threat across parts of western North Dakota (with a hatched area for 80 mph+ gusts), while another severe-storm setup threatens the Northern Plains with damaging winds and hail. Aviation & Safety: A small plane crash near Mercer County Regional Airport in Hazen is under NTSB investigation after a Piper PA-24 went down shortly after takeoff. Local Business: A Bismarck-area window and door retailer is pushing free in-home estimates as it marks 18 years in business. Energy & Infrastructure: A North Dakota-linked power angle is back in the spotlight as Bitzero’s AI/data-center push leans on long-term electricity contracts, including rates tied to North Dakota. Policy & Compliance: Seventeen Republican attorneys general, including North Dakota’s, sued California over its plastics packaging law, arguing it forces nationwide compliance and raises costs.

Regional Air Connectivity: Delta is ending its Williston–Minneapolis route on Sept. 7, citing persistently low passenger demand—another reminder that North Dakota air service lives and dies by steady traffic. Severe Weather & Power Risk: The Storm Prediction Center flags a 30% damaging wind area across parts of western North Dakota, with an 80 mph+ gust threat that could mean outages and tough conditions for crews. Energy Infrastructure: Minnesota Power’s $900M HVDC upgrade will replace aging equipment and boost capacity for wind power flowing from central North Dakota, with funding support tied to federal grant decisions. Wind Project Politics: In Eddy County, PRC Wind has split Flickertail Wind into two permit filings, while Gov. Kelly Armstrong declined to remove a commissioner amid conflict-of-interest claims tied to the project. Trade & Business Uncertainty: USMCA’s July 1 mandatory review raises the odds of annual renegotiation cycles—analysts warn that uncertainty can slow business planning. Local Construction Impacts: Grand Forks is set to close 42nd Street near DeMers Ave starting June 29 for an underpass project, with a temporary bypass planned. Health Care Governance: Essentia Health adds four new board directors, signaling continued leadership focus as the region’s health system shifts.

Severe Weather Watch: The Storm Prediction Center flags a 30% damaging wind risk across western North Dakota into parts of South Dakota and Montana, with a hatched area for 80 mph+ gusts and power-outage threats. Energy & Grid: Minnesota Power is pushing a $900M HVDC upgrade to expand capacity and move more wind power from central ND, with funding support tied to a reinstated DOE grant. Wind Development: PRC Wind has split its Flickertail Wind proposal into two permit filings, potentially boosting peak output to 584 MW, while ND Gov. Kelly Armstrong declined to remove an Eddy County commissioner amid conflict-of-interest claims. Policy & Plastics: Seventeen GOP state attorneys general, including North Dakota, sued to block California’s plastics packaging law, arguing it violates state sovereignty and raises costs. Local Infrastructure: Grand Forks’ 42nd Street/DeMers underpass work starts with a June 29 closure and a temporary bypass planned to open July 6. Business & Community: Fargo’s Coyol Cocina & Tequila opened on West Sunset Ave; Security State Bank named Bernie Knutson as new president. Ag & Food: A farm-linked coffee brand, Farmers Fuel Coffee Co., is expanding from a family operation and supports Farm Rescue. Sports (ND tie-in): The 2026 NHL draft wrapped with ND’s Keaton Verhoeff selected in Round 1 by San Jose, and Fargo hosted Banana Ball with the Indianapolis Clowns.

North Dakota Energy & AI: Lawmakers created a North Dakota First AI Task Force, aiming to learn how AI “intelligence factories” work and what policy helps the state compete—anchored on the idea that abundant power is the real bottleneck. Wind Power & Local Governance: PRC Wind split its Flickertail Wind proposal into two permit filings (Flickertail 1 and Flickertail 2), potentially boosting peak capacity to 584 MW, while Gov. Kelly Armstrong declined to remove Eddy County commissioner Dave Gehrtz after an AG review tied to conflict-of-interest claims. Transportation & Construction: Grand Forks crews plan a mid-morning closure of the north side of 42nd Street at DeMers Ave starting Monday, June 29, with a temporary bypass opening July 6 as an underpass project reroutes traffic and rail. State Policy: North Dakota voters rejected measures to outlaw most local property taxes and to legalize recreational marijuana. Agriculture & Rural Life: ND Game and Fish reports pheasant crowing counts up statewide (9% from last year), with the northeast showing a big jump as winter survival and nesting habitat improve. Food & Community Business: Farmers Fuel Coffee Co. is expanding from a family farm operation, tying its brand to agriculture and supporting farm families through Farm Rescue.

Rural Health & EMS Funding: North Dakota’s Rural Health Transformation Program is rolling out equipment and workforce support, but ambulance replacement is getting stuck behind federal spending deadlines and long delivery times—some trucks now expected as far out as 2029, pushing services to stretch fleet life with chassis swaps. Energy & Power Planning: Minnesota approved a $500,000 study on whether new nuclear generation should shape the state’s future as demand rises and data centers expand, with the review led by the Great Plains Institute and no construction authorized. Ag Policy & Legal Fight: Tribal groups and other organizations joined a lawsuit seeking restoration of $127 million in canceled USDA farm grants, arguing the terminations were tied to unlawful DEI-based preferences. Wildlife & Habitat: North Dakota’s spring breeding duck survey found breeding ducks down more than 9% year over year, with habitat loss—especially fewer smaller wetlands—flagged as a key driver. Local Business & Community: Open Gate Church in the Minot area turned a former school into a farmers market site, blending faith community energy with local food and small-business momentum.

DAPL Settlement: North Dakota is set to recover nearly $38 million from the federal government after a final Dakota Access Pipeline protest settlement, including $27.8 million in reimbursement plus a prior $10 million payment. Grid & Transmission: WMMPA and Otter Tail Power cleared a Minnesota Route Permit for the Big Stone South to Alexandria 345-kilovolt line, a roughly 96-mile project aimed at strengthening reliability across the region. AI/Data Centers & State Tech: North Dakota’s Legacy Fund is moving toward a more transparent public website, with Tactis selected to build and manage the platform and Devii handling secure data management. Education Data Modernization: DPI’s BRIDGE project is shifting how student data is collected and shared, with new office hours and emergency funding approved to help districts cover transition costs. Construction Impacts in Fargo Area: Grand Forks begins major bridge and roadway work with a June 29 closure of North 42nd Street and a phased DeMers Avenue traffic shift, plus detours for drivers and semitruck access. Ag & Policy Outreach: EPA staff are touring North Dakota agriculture through the ND Grain Growers Association’s E-Tour, focusing on pesticide regulation and real-world farm operations. Local Business & Retail: Cash Wise hosts a grand re-opening after a significant remodel in Owatonna, highlighting expanded departments and energy-efficiency upgrades. Leadership & Community: Bush Foundation names two North Dakota leaders as 2026 Bush Fellows, each receiving a $150,000 grant for next-step community work.

AI & Power Crunch: A new report argues the real bottleneck in the AI boom isn’t chips—it’s grid power and fast utility upgrades, with data centers waiting years for major electrical capacity. North Dakota Policy Watch: Lawmakers announced an interim AI and Data Center Committee for the 2027 session, aiming to study energy and water impacts, child protections, and how other states regulate AI. Energy & Water for Nuclear: North Dakota’s water regulator says the Missouri River is the best source for cooling needs tied to potential nuclear development. Manufacturing in ND: Fargo-based GoodBulb says it opened the U.S.’s first A19 LED bulb factory, with sales starting July 4. Ag & Markets: USDA coverage shows the U.S. wheat harvest moving ahead of last year and the five-year average in key Northern Plains categories. Legal/Regulatory Ripple: The U.S. Supreme Court backed Bayer in a Roundup ruling expected to block thousands of failure-to-warn lawsuits, a decision that could affect other pesticide claims. Trade & Transportation: North Dakota lawmakers and regional business interests keep watching major infrastructure and logistics shifts, including new Midwest bus routes launching June 30. Public Services: Minnesota SNAP payment errors rose sharply in federal reporting, with North Dakota also flagged among higher-error states. Local Governance/Infrastructure: A Fargo lodging project is underway for Sanford cancer patients, while other regional bridge and road work continues to reshape travel.

AI & Data Centers: North Dakota lawmakers created an interim AI and Data Center Committee to prep for the 2027 session, weighing data-center water and power impacts and how states should regulate AI—especially around kids. Energy & Grid Buildout: The North Dakota Public Service Commission approved the JETx transmission line route, adding momentum for more wind power moving into Minnesota. Manufacturing & Jobs: Fargo’s GoodBulb opened the only U.S. A19 LED bulb factory; first bulbs go on sale July 4. Sovereign Wealth Transparency: The Retirement and Investment Office picked Tactis to build and run a new Legacy Fund website, with interactive public reporting planned for a November 2026 launch. Ag & Exports: U.S. Wheat Associates installed Gary Millershaski as chairman during its Fargo summer meeting, focusing on global demand and transportation planning. Legal & Consumer Costs: 17 GOP attorneys general, including North Dakota’s, sued California over its plastics packaging law, arguing it will raise costs nationwide. Native Business Support: ND Commerce awarded $600,000 to Native American-owned small businesses to expand operations and workforce capacity. Credit Health: WalletHub ranked North Dakota top-10 for credit management, landing at No. 9 overall.