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Committee discusses storage‑shed requests, branch center maintenance and Northern Crops Institute operating needs
Summary
Members debated finishing storage‑shed projects at branch research centers, discussed construction approaches and costs, and reviewed a Northern Crops Institute request for additional utility funding and specialized equipment; no funding decisions were adopted in committee.
Appropriators reviewed branch research center capital needs and a one‑time equipment and utility request for the Northern Crops Institute (NCI).
Several senators said storage sheds remain outstanding from earlier sessions and urged finishing remaining projects. Senator Sickler and others discussed construction type and cost: staff and Dr. Lardy said most recent sheds were steel‑framed for durability but that a lower‑cost hoop‑style fabric structure has been used at Dickinson as an economical option. Committee members noted construction cost increases: earlier sheds built for roughly $300,000 now have estimated costs nearer $500,000.
The committee discussed which branch centers remain: Central Grasslands, Dickinson and Carrington were identified as outstanding projects. Dr. Lardy said the agency could supply a prioritized ranking on short notice; members debated whether to fund one shed now as progress versus waiting for more funds.
On the Northern Crops Institute, staff noted a request for an additional $150,000 for utility costs and a one‑time equipment request described in the budget book as a “protein extraction and air classification system” to expand testing and processing capability. Dr. Lardy recommended the committee contact David (NCI contact) for specifics and offered to arrange his return for further testimony. Committee members noted bond payments on some projects have been paid off, which reduces future base bond costs for the centers.
No motions or votes were taken; staff were asked to return prioritized lists and to arrange follow‑up appearances from NCI and other technical witnesses.
