News Releases for April 2005
April 27, 2005
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Hoeven Signs North Central Research Extension Center Funding, Medal Of Honor Bill In Minot
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven today signed SB 2023, which includes funding to help the North Central Research Extension Center complete a new $1.2 million agronomy laboratory and greenhouse in Minot, and HB 1019, which appropriates matching funds for a new Medal of Honor Memorial in Minot’s Roosevelt Park.
Joining Hoeven for the signing of the North Central Research Extension Center bill were Board of Higher Education President Bruce Christianson, Research Extension Director Jay Fisher, Sens. Randy Schobinger, Karen Krebsbach and Ben Tollefson, and Reps. Matt Klein, Larry Bellew, Mike Timm, Dan Ruby, Clara Sue Price and Andy Maragos.
Joining Hoeven for the signing of the Medal of Honor Memorial bill were Maj. Richard Starke, a strong supporter of the Medal of Honor project, and representatives of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and other veterans groups. Local legislators attended the signing, as well.
The North Central Research Extension Center has raised money for the project from local contributions, and the state’s share will provide enough funding to complete the $1.2 million project. A new agronomy research laboratory and greenhouse will provide new and more efficient research opportunities and capabilities for the North Central Research Center. The new lab will provide a modern and clean working environment. Part of the facility will serve to conduct preliminary crop evaluation, weed, disease, and insect studies prior to the growing season. It will also provide opportunities to study soil science, as well as crop and pest management techniques.
"Research into new technologies is vital to North Dakota’s agricultural sector and essential to the growth of our economy," Hoeven said. "The new lab and greenhouse in Minot will provide scientists with the tools they need to keep us on the cutting edge."
At the same time, Hoeven was joined by local officials and a number of veterans groups to sign HB 1019, the State Historical Society Appropriations bill, which appropriates $35,000 in matching funds for a new veterans memorial.
The Historical Society will work with the Minot Park Board, veterans groups and individual veterans to establish a new Medal of Honor Memorial in Minot’s Roosevelt Park. The memorial will join an existing statue of President Theodore Roosevelt, who was also a Medal of Honor recipient. North Dakota has 16 Medal of Honor recipients, which is the highest per capita in the nation.
"We cannot express too strongly or too often our gratitude to our men and women in uniform - those fighting for our freedom today, as well those who secured our freedom in the past, our veterans," Hoeven said. "This memorial honors and thanks, now and for generations to come, those to whom we owe so much."
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