North Dakota allocates $10M for tourism marketing and various grant programs

The North Dakota State Legislature's Senate Appropriations Committee convened on February 24, 2025, to discuss significant funding allocations for various programs aimed at enhancing tourism, economic development, and workforce training in the state.

A key focus of the meeting was the allocation of $10 million for tourism marketing, which has been streamlined into a combined program. Of this amount, $7 million will be directed by the Department of Commerce to optimize marketing efforts, with $150,000 earmarked specifically for a grant supporting the North Dakota State magazine.

Additionally, the committee approved a total of $3 million for the operation intern program, which includes $1 million in new funding alongside $2 million from the existing budget. The Office of Global Talent will receive $500,000 for operational expenses and another $500,000 for grants to support talent development.

The meeting also highlighted a substantial $20 million allocation for tourism destination grants, which aims to bolster local economies through enhanced visitor experiences. Other notable funding includes $3 million for the UAS test site and $600,000 for tribal economic development grants in the Turtle Mountain area.

Further discussions included various grants aimed at supporting local communities, such as technical skills training grants and entrepreneurship programs funded through the general fund. The committee also noted a rural health care grant program that will match funds from the general fund.

In total, the meeting outlined a comprehensive funding strategy, with $30 million from the Strategic Investment Fund (SIF) allocated to various initiatives, including $5 million for autonomous agriculture grants and $1 million for base enhancement grants.

The decisions made during this meeting are expected to significantly impact North Dakota's economic landscape, fostering growth in tourism, workforce development, and community support initiatives.