01.22.14

Hoeven Tours New Research and Development Facility at NDSU

Senator Hoeven Working to Keep North Dakota, America at Forefront of Technology

FARGO, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today toured the new addition to the Research 1 building at the North Dakota State University (NDSU) Research and Technology Park. The $9 million, 35,000 square foot addition supports the park’s efforts to partner NDSU, private industry and state and federal government to develop and commercialize new technology. The new space will provide flexible laboratory space for companies conducting advanced coatings and manufacturing research, such as Caterpillar Reman Drive Train, MidAmerica Aviation, Triton Systems and Technology Applications Group. The project received funds from both state and federal grants:

  • A $4 million grant from the North Dakota Centers of Excellence enhancement program in 2009; and
  • A $5 million grant from the National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) at the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) in 2010.

“We have worked hard in North Dakota to diversify and grow our economy, and it shows,” Hoeven said. “The eastern part of our state is leading in technology, just as the west leads in energy development, with agriculture as our solid, ever-growing foundation. By making the right investments, forging partnerships between our research institutions and private industry and creating a legal, tax and regulatory environment that supports innovation and entrepreneurship, we have helped make our state a dynamic competitor in the high-tech sector. Through this new addition, NDSU and its partners will be able to continue that growth through products such as next generation printable and flexible electronics, coatings for solar cells, energy storage and battery products and production of chemical feedstocks from renewable crop oils.”

As governor of North Dakota, Hoeven initiated the Centers of Excellence program to support facilities at the state’s universities, such as the NDSU Research and Technology Park, that build partnerships between the public and private sectors to attract new investments and prepare students for careers in key areas including technology. Hoeven said by following North Dakota’s lead, our nation can provide better opportunities for Americans and to ensure our nation remains a leader in technological development

As a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Hoeven has worked to provide funding for programs that support STEM education, economic development and competitive research. Hoeven is also a member of the Senate GOP High-Tech Task Force, which works to ensure that the nation’s technology firms remain at the forefront of the world economy. The task force’s objectives include promoting private sector innovation, creating a business environment to attract leading worldwide technology, enhancing the nation’s competitive workforce and other pro-growth tech policies.