A recap of recent events and happenings in the administration of Gov. Armstrong and Lt. Gov. Strinden





The Scope
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*July 11, 2025*

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turtle mountain
*Armstrong, agency leaders meet with Turtle Mountain officials in Belcourt to strengthen partnerships*

Gov. Kelly Armstrong and representatives from more than a dozen state agencies visited the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians (TMBCI) in Belcourt to strengthen state-tribal partnerships and identify shared priorities for further collaboration.

The visit was part of Armstrong’s commitment to visit all five tribal nations in North Dakota during his first year in office. The North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission is facilitating the visits to the tribal nations introduce the new administration and build stronger relationships and effective partnerships.

“We want to build on our relationships, partnerships and conversations that began at the Government to Government [ [link removed] ] seminar and bring these conversations to you,” Armstrong said.  “These visits serve as listening sessions, opportunities to hear directly from tribal leaders and community members, gain a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities each nation faces and foster mutual respect rooted in history, culture and sovereignty.”

The governor and Cabinet agency leaders met with TMBCI Chairman Jamie Azure and Tribal Council members and agency representatives, District 9 state legislators and other stakeholders at Sky Dancer Event Center. Discussion covered a wide range topics including health care and behavioral health, education, economic and workforce development, public safety and law enforcement, corrections, emergency management, transportation, gaming, natural resources, hunting access, and the need to extend natural gas service to the reservation.

State agencies and offices represented in the discussions included the North Dakota Department of Transportation, Highway Patrol, Department of Commerce, Department of Environmental Quality, Department of Health and Human Services including the Commissioner of Recovery and Reentry, Department of Public Instruction, State Fire Marshal, Governor’s Office, Game and Fish Department, and Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Job Service ND, Insurance & Securities Department, Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the state-tribal Northland Narcotics Task Force. Other participating partners included the North Dakota Tribal College System, First Nation Women’s Alliance (MMIP), Broadband Association of North Dakota, Spirit Lake Nation, and United and Turtle Mountain Communications, Tribal Nations Research Group, USDA Rural Development, Turtle Mountain Recovery Center and U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Before breakout sessions, Armstrong challenged participants to move the dialogue forward into actionable solutions and address problems before they become crises. He emphasized the importance of open lines of communication, citing as an example the state’s role in helping Turtle Mountain battle wildfires that burned thousands of acres in early May.

Azure, the TMBCI chairman, said he’s hoping the dialogue and “hard discussions” can lead to more substantive action, and he thanked Armstrong for bringing his administration and other state agencies to Belcourt.

“We appreciate people coming to our lands,” he said. “You can see with your own eyes … a lot of the issues, a lot of the infrastructure needs. While you’re here, you are guests, you are friends.”

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*Armstrong announces Grain Storage & Facility Rebuilder Program to help producers impacted by storms*
grain

Gov. Armstrong announced a Grain Storage and Facility Rebuilder Program to help agricultural producers quickly replace infrastructure, such as grain storage, lost in recent severe storms, including storms on June 20-21 that spawned over a dozen tornadoes and derecho straight-line winds.

The storms destroyed tens of millions of bushels of grain storage, crumpling some grain bins like paper cups and flinging others hundreds of yards from their foundations. Armstrong surveyed damage in the Enderlin, Page and Hunter areas, hearing directly from producers about the urgent need to replace grain storage before harvest begins in two months.

“The Grain Storage and Facility Rebuilder Program will provide an immediate source of low-interest gap financing for producers so they can start ordering temporary or permanent grain storage solutions as they work through their insurance,” Armstrong said. “By quickly replacing storage and other infrastructure, farmers will have more control over when they can market this year’s crop, helping to minimize lost profitability.”

*The Grain Storage and Facility Rebuilder Program provides two options for producers: *


* _Temporary Storage Support_: Financing is available for temporary storage solutions and related supplies to ensure harvest continuity for the 2025 crop. Examples of eligible storage solutions: baggers and extractors; hopper bins and rental of grain facilities.
* _Facility Repair & Replacement Assistance_: Financing is available for the repair or reconstruction of critical agricultural structures, including but not limited to grain storage systems, livestock barns, and machine shops. Example of eligible facilities: flat bottom bins; hopper bins; grain legs; augers; grain dryers; hoop-barns; calving barns; feed barns; milk parlors; machine shops; storage sheds and irrigation pivots.

*Repayment and Collateral *


* Impacted producers may access up to $150,000 for temporary storage support for the 2025 harvest season with no collateral.
* As insurance proceeds are received, proceeds may need to be applied to the loan as the combination of the outstanding loan amount and insurance proceeds received may not exceed total project costs. In the event the gap amount exceeds 25% of net worth or $500,000 (whichever is less) collateral may be required.
* Both loan options have a maximum term of 24 months at an interest rate of 2% while requiring an annual interest only payment. All remaining principal and interest will be due at maturity.

Approximately $37 million is available through the Grain Storage and Facility Rebuilder Program, which stems from the Rebuilders Loan Program authorized under state law when the governor declares a disaster in the state.

The Bank of North Dakota will also coordinate directly with grain elevators impacted by recent storm damage to offer flexible financing options that support reconstruction efforts. Additional loan programs aimed at addressing broader infrastructure losses, including large-scale grain storage facilities and small businesses, are currently in development and will be announced in the coming weeks.

To access the Grain Storage and Facility Rebuilder Program, producers should contact their local financial institution to submit an application. The program application period will open on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 and close on Dec. 31, 2025. More information on the program from BND can be found at bnd.nd.gov/gsfr [ [link removed] ].

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military gallery
*Armstrong helps break ground on new Military Gallery at ND Heritage Center & State Museum*

Gov. Armstrong participated in a groundbreaking ceremony marking the start of construction on a new Military Gallery at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum, a fitting tribute to the state’s servicemembers and veterans.

“We’re committed to making North Dakota the most military-friendly state in the country, and this gallery marks another significant step toward that goal. It’s about honoring our rich military history and the citizens of our state who have served in every military branch,” Armstrong said. “Our freedom endures only because of their service. And that service is worthy of recognition every day with a world-class Military Gallery that honors and memorializes the men and women who have given everything for this nation and our liberty.”

Armstrong proposed funding for the Military Gallery in his executive budget proposal and expressed his thanks to the 2025 Legislature for supporting the project with $15 million from the state’s Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund, a $20 million line of credit from the state-owned Bank of North Dakota, and $4.2 million to repay a line of credit from the Bank in the 2023-25 biennium – all to be matched by nearly $39 million in private-sector contributions.

More information about the Military Gallery is available on the website [ [link removed] ] of the State Historical Society, which is partnering on the project with the North Dakota National Guard and their respective foundations.

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North Dakota launches unified insurance, securities regulator

North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread announced the unification of the state’s Insurance and Securities department – a move designed to better safeguard residents from fraud and financial risk, with consumer protection at the forefront.

The merger resulted from the successful passage of Senate Bill 2214, signed by Armstrong during the 2025 legislative session, which allowed the insurance commissioner to assume the role of securities commissioner. The combined department will provide more efficient and coordinated oversight of two of the most complex and critical sectors of the financial services industry: insurance and securities.

“This is a milestone moment for North Dakota,” said Godfread. “Bringing these two regulatory functions together under one roof allows us to better protect consumers, strengthen our oversight capabilities, and modernize how we serve the people and businesses of our state.”

Previously operating as two separate agencies, the North Dakota Insurance Department and the North Dakota Securities Department shared common goals: consumer protection, market integrity, and education. The merger creates new opportunities for collaboration and responsiveness in an increasingly interconnected financial landscape.

Read the full release here [ [link removed] ].

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Armstrong, First Lady Kjersti welcome attendees of the USA Patriots Amputee Athletic Kids Camp in Mandan
kids camp

Last week, Gov. Armstrong and First Lady Kjersti visited the USA Patriots Amputee Athletics Kids Camp in Mandan. The camp is run by the USA Patriots Amputee Softball Team players and hosted kids from around the country, the first time the event has been held in North Dakota.

The Kids Camp was established in 2014 and brings 15-20 children (between 8-12 years old) with amputations or limb loss for a week-long camp, all expenses paid. The team veterans serve as coaches and mentors for these children, teaching them adaptive techniques and life lessons.

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*IN OTHER NEWS*

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ndcf
Armstrong introduces Tigirlily Gold at ND Country Fest, announces partnership with ND Tourism

North Dakota Tourism and Gov. Armstrong announced a new partnership with country music duo Tigirlily Gold prior to their performance at ND Country Fest. As part of this collaboration, the Hazen-born sisters have written and recorded a brand-new anthem inspired by their appreciation of the beauty, people and tranquility of North Dakota. The song will official release later this year.

Krista and Kendra Slaubaugh, the voices behind Tigirlily Gold, have never been shy about their love for the place that raised them. Now, through this special partnership, they’ll add new sound and energy to North Dakota’s “Hello” campaign, sharing their connection to the state on a national stage.

“It’s so fun to work with people who are true ambassadors for North Dakota,” said North Dakota Department of Commerce Tourism & Marketing Director Sara Otte Coleman. “I’ve watched these women grow up and seeing them use their platform to celebrate and support our state has been really inspiring.”

The duo wrote the song this spring and North Dakota Tourism officials are hopeful it becomes the soundtrack to celebrate North Dakota and make others more aware of our state. 

“We’ve always dreamed of working with North Dakota Tourism,” the duo added. “This collaboration is truly full circle, and we’re honored to share what makes our home state so special.”

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mq-9

Gov. Armstrong authorized the North Dakota National Guard to provide aerial support in the search for victims of catastrophic flash flooding in central Texas.

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Gov. Armstrong joined Sen. John Hoeven in outlining benefits of the "One Big Beautiful Bill" at the Bismarck Mandan EDC.

obbb

masada ________________________________________________________________________

Gov. Armstrong visited Medora with Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring to kick off the MASDA conference where ag and energy leaders from 12 states gathered to share ideas and strengthen partnerships.



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Gov. Armstrong attended the third annual Softball Classic at the North Dakota State Penitentiary, where the USA Patriots and Iowa's Ghost Players faced off with NDSP staff and residents to kick off the 2025 McQuade's Tournament. 

usa patriots

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b52

Gov. Armstrong took a B-52H Stratofortress orientation flight with the 69th Bomb Squadron at Minot Air Force Base. Armstrong received briefings on aircrew equipment, flight safety and emergency procedures prior to the flight.



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