North Dakota Initiatives
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. He started a process that has stimulated a cycle of federal research and economic development in our state and is helping to develop our universities and colleges develop into world class research institutions.
Investing in North Dakota
As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I have worked to grow North Dakota's economy by supporting programs and initiatives that create jobs, build infrastructure and improve access to critical services.
Great Plains Energy Corridor
North Dakota is poised to play a vital role in reducing our dependence on foreign sources of energy, and Senator Dorgan has led the push to diversify our energy portfolio and to help achieve energy security.
National Center for Hydrogen Technology
In 2004, Senator Dorgan included a provision in an appropriations bill to designate the Energy and Environmental Research Center (EERC) as the National Center for Hydrogen Technology (NCHT).
National Energy Technology Training and Education Facility
Senator Dorgan is working on federal funding to help construct a $14.5 million National Energy Technology Training and Education Facility on the campus of Bismarck State College. This world–class facility will house a Workforce Training Center and Higher Education Center creating a learning atmosphere that combines energy education with environmental education while advancing the use of coal combustion products.
Nanoscience Technology Training Center – NDSCS
The Center for Nanoscience Technology Training at the North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton is a natural extension of the Red River Valley Research Corridor. The center opened in the fall of 2006, and provides students and workers in the region with the skills and training to succeed in nanotechnology and other new industries created through the Research Corridor initiative.
North Dakota Telepharmacy Project
Many communities in North Dakota are too small to have their own pharmacy, forcing their citizens to drive for miles to get their prescriptions filled. In 2002, Senator Dorgan secured funding for innovative telepharmacy projects in the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education appropriations bill.
