Red River Valley Research Corridor
In early 2002, Senator Dorgan convened a meeting with the presidents of North Dakota state universities and colleges to propose a bold new program to draw millions of federal research dollars to North Dakota. Dorgan started a process that has stimulated a cycle of federal research and economic development in our state and is helping to develop our major universities into world class research institutions.
In December 2006, North Dakota State University researcher Dr. Larry Leistritz released an economic impact study of the Red River Valley Research Corridor (RRVRC) that shows the growth of the high–tech industry in North Dakota since its conception in 2002. The report showed that the RRVRC initiative has generated $759 million in positive economic impact and added thousands of jobs to the regional economy.
Senator Dorgan is working closely with our schools, especially North Dakota State University and the University of North Dakota, to ensure that they can compete more effectively for federal research grants and contracts. He has also helped to direct research dollars to these schools through appropriations earmarks. NDSU and UND have also formed research partnerships with other state universities, increasing the state’s ability to conduct research and putting the talent of our students and professors across North Dakota to work for the entire country.
Since 2002, Senator Dorgan has directed more than $350 million for economic and research projects throughout North Dakota.
Read about the research projects underway at the Research Corridor.
