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





The Scope
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*September 19, 2025*

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june storms
*President grants Armstrong's request for major disaster declaration for severe storm damage *

President Donald Trump granted a request from Gov. Kelly Armstrong for a presidential major disaster declaration for damage from severe storms that produced tornadoes June 20-21, unlocking federal assistance to help cover the costs of repairs to public infrastructure and recovery efforts.

“This much-needed disaster aid will help our state’s communities and utilities recover from one of the most powerful summer storms in recent history,” Armstrong said. “North Dakota deeply appreciates President Trump and FEMA for approving our request, just as we can never say thank you enough to our local citizens, volunteers, first responders, utility providers and emergency managers who worked tirelessly to restore services and help their neighbors and communities recover from these severe storms.”

The presidential declaration makes public assistance available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which notified the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services this evening that the request had been granted.

Armstrong submitted a request [ [link removed] ] on July 21 for the presidential major disaster declaration. The June 20-21 storms spawned more than 20 tornadoes, resulting in four storm-related deaths and causing more than $11 million in damage to public infrastructure as well as significant damage to utilities, grain bins, homes and other private property. The presidential declaration covers all 19 counties requested: Barnes, Burleigh, Cass, Eddy, Emmons, Foster, Grant, Griggs, Kidder, McLean, Morton, Oliver, Ransom, Sheridan, Sioux, Steele, Stutsman, Traill and Wells. 

A separate request [ [link removed] ]for a presidential major disaster declaration for severe storms Aug. 7-8 is still pending. Those storms brought damaging winds, large hail and numerous tornadoes, costing more than $6 million, mostly from damage to electrical infrastructure. The request covers Barnes, Grand Forks, Griggs, Kidder, Nelson, Steele and Stutsman counties.

For more information about storm recovery, including the Grain Storage & Facility Rebuilder Program created in response to the June storms, visit www.ndresponse.gov [ [link removed] ].  

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Grain bins damaged by high winds on June 20-21, 2025, near Hunter, ND
*Industrial Commission announces expansion of Grain Storage & Facility Rebuilder Program*

The Industrial Commission announced the expansion of the Grain Storage and Facility Rebuilder Program from Bank of North Dakota (BND) to include storms from the Aug. 7-8, 2025, weather events in addition to the June 20-21 storms. The program helps agricultural producers replace infrastructure such as grain storage, livestock barns, machine shops, storage sheds and irrigation pivots.

Since its announcement on July 1, the program has funded just over $17 million to 65 producers with another $5 million in loans pending. The total funds available were $37 million from the Rebuilders Loan Program which may be used pursuant to state law when the governor declares a disaster in the state.

“The severe weather events of this year have significantly impacted some of our ag producers,” said the Industrial Commission in a joint statement. The Commission, consisting of Gov. Armstrong as chairman, Attorney General Drew Wrigley and Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring, oversees BND. “With a short growing season and cooler weather on the way, we need to ensure grain can be stored and livestock is safe.”

Farmers and ranchers can access this loan program through their local lender.

“BND responds quickly in uncertain times to help producers with disaster-related loans,” said BND President and CEO Don Morgan. “This response time is so efficient largely due to our partnership with local lenders who have the best understanding of their customers' needs and strategically deliver our programs to benefit them.”

To access the Grain Storage and Facility Rebuilder Program, ag producers should contact their local lender to submit an application. The program application period will 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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*New ND Air National Guard detachment to support B-52 operations at Minot Air Force Base *
b52

Gov. Armstrong announced military leaders have agreed to establish a second North Dakota Air National Guard detachment to support operations at Minot Air Force Base.

The B-52 Operational Classic Association detachment was approved by U.S. Air Force Headquarters last week.

Currently, the North Dakota Air National Guard’s 219th Security Forces Squadron works jointly with active-duty Air Force personnel to provide security for the missile field complex at Minot Air Force Base. The new detachment involving the Air Force’s 5th Bomb Wing and Air National Guard’s 119th Wing will augment portions of the B-52 mission at the base, with a proposed total of approximately 40 personnel by Oct. 1, 2026. Global Strike Command will also develop plans for future expansion of the detachment beyond operations and maintenance.

“Minot Air Force Base and the North Dakota Air National Guard are always exceeding the standard and setting new expectations of what it means to serve in our military,” Armstrong said. “The military in North Dakota continues to play a critical role in our national security, ensuring peace through strength, and this new detachment reinforces that role.”

The North Dakota National Guard’s adjutant general, Brig. Gen. Mitch Johnson, said the detachment allows the North Dakota Air National Guard to expand its current relationship with the Minot base and add another strategic deterrent mission.

“I look forward to our continued partnership with Minot Air Force Base as we join the B-52 mission,” Johnson said. “We will recruit the right people into these positions and build this detachment the North Dakota way.”

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israel
Strinden joins bipartisan delegation in educational mission to Israel

Lt. Gov. Michelle Strinden was part of a bipartisan delegation of 250 U.S. state representatives on an education mission to Israel this week.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the group to Jerusalem for what his office described as the largest-ever bipartisan delegation of American lawmakers to ever visit the Jewish state.

“We value and cherish your support,” Netanyahu said, noting that there was an “active effort” ongoing to erode the ties between the two countries.

Lt. Gov. Strinden spoke at the gathering, which also included speeches by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and state Sen. Lori Berman of Florida.

"North Dakota is 6,400 miles away from here, but we are closer than our distance apart would suggest," Strinden said. "We pay attention to Israel. And, more importantly, in North Dakota, we stand with Israel."

The visit, called “50 States, One Israel,” was hosted by the Israeli Foreign Ministry and is part of an ongoing campaign from the Middle Eastern country to prevent boycotts against the Jewish state.

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gov awards
*Governor's Awards for Excellence in Public Service to take place on Sept. 29 at Capitol*

The 2025 Governor's Awards for Excellence in Public Service is an event designed to spotlight and say “thank you” to those whose hard work makes North Dakota stronger. This year, the awards will focus on recognizing teams.

Head over to the North Dakota State Capitol on Monday, Sept. 29, at *11:30 a.m.* for the 2025 awards event in Memorial Hall. If you can’t join in person, watch online via Gov. Armstrong’s Facebook Page [ [link removed] ].

And don’t miss the free employee appreciation pizza luncheon sponsored by Capital Credit Union from 12:30 to 2 p.m. near the west employee entrance on ground floor.

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*IN OTHER NEWS*

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Silver Ranch

Gov. Armstrong helped open the new Career Academy at Silver Ranch in Bismarck. The facility provides BPS students with additional educational opportunities in areas such as plumbing, electrical, HVAC, agriculture and carpentry. 



NDPC ________________________________________________________________________

Gov. Armstrong attended the North Dakota Petroleum Council's annual meeting, participating in a panel discussion highlighting new technologies in the energy industry and the need for enhanced oil recovery.



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YIMBY

Gov. Armstrong delivered the keynote at the YIMBYtown
Conference in New Haven, Connecticut. Armstrong discussed housing affordability and availability being a critical issue in every state. YIMBY, or Yes In My Back Yard, is a national convening for the pro-homes movement. 



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adult education

Gov. Armstrong designated Sept. 15-19 as Adult Education and Family Literacy Week and welcomed Adult Student of the Year, Fatumo Mohid, from the Fargo Adult Learning Center, to his office for a meet and greet.  



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