Committee clears local‑funded turf project for North Dakota State College of Science; committee approved moving bill out of committee

Representative Alisa Mitskog said House Bill 1331 would authorize the North Dakota State College of Science to proceed with installation of a synthetic turf field at the NDSCS stadium, a shared grass field used by both the college and the Wahpeton High School football program.

Mitskog and athletic director Reggie Jackson said the turf would reduce maintenance problems and weather‑related field damage, add a soccer surface for a new women’s program planned for fall 2025, and increase availability for intramurals and community use. They told the committee the project would be funded with local resources (private donations and auxiliary revenues such as dining services) and that no general‑fund appropriation is requested.

Jackson said turf would extend usable hours dramatically compared with natural grass and assist spring sports and practice scheduling. Committee members asked whether the Higher Education Board had approved the project; witnesses said the board had signed off. After brief questions, Representative Hadlston moved the committee report and Representative Mackie seconded. A roll‑call committee vote was taken and the measure was reported out of committee (recorded as affirmative votes).