Hearing held on NDSCS turf proposal; sponsor seeks emergency authority to proceed with bid

Representative Alisa Mittsock told the committee House Bill 1331 would authorize North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) to proceed with an artificial‑turf project for the school’s shared football and soccer field. Mittsock said the project would be funded with local dollars, donations and campus revenue rather than the state general fund.

"The project will be paid for with local dollars, including donations and revenue from dining services. No general fund money or appropriated dollars will be used for this project," Representative Mittsock said, and she added the campus wanted the emergency clause so it could go to bid this spring and be ready for the fall season, including the college’s new women’s soccer team.

Reggie Jackson, NDSCS athletic director, told the committee turf is the prevailing surface at the high‑school and small‑college levels in the region, citing earlier start dates for outdoor activities and lower maintenance in wet seasons. He said a turf surface would support team competition, intramurals and community use, and that it would ease the field’s drainage and crowning issues.

A committee member moved a due‑pass recommendation for the bill, but after discussion about whether the project needed to be referred to appropriations because it involves money — even if local dollars — the mover rescinded the motion so the committee could clarify the procedural route. No formal vote was taken on House Bill 1331 during the hearing.