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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.

Senator Dorgan’s Energy Plan for North Dakota

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.

Devils Lake – Upper Basin Water Utilization Irrigation Test Project

Senator Dorgan secured $900,000 in federal funding for a demonstration project to test the feasibility of taking excess water off Devils Lake and help grow specialty and standard crops in the Devils Lake region.

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.