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Dakota Download Governor Burgum's Weekly Update - May 19, 2019

Sanford speaks at annual Peace Officers Memorial Ceremony

Dozens of officers from police departments, sheriff's offices, the Highway Patrol and other organizations attended the 25th annual Peace Officers Memorial Ceremony this week in honor of North Dakota peace officers who have died in the line of duty. Ceremonies were held around the nation for Peace Officers Memorial Day as part of National Police Week.

Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford, Supreme Court Chief Justice Gerald VandeWalle, Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem and members of the Crisis Care Chaplaincy delivered remarks at the ceremony in Bismarck on Wednesday.

"Today, we assemble to pay tribute to these courageous officers, to honor their memories and the legacies they left behind when they made the ultimate sacrifice in fulfilling their duty to serve and protect," Sanford said.

Since 1882, 64 peace officers have died in the line of duty in North Dakota. Their names are inscribed on the North Dakota Peace Officers Memorial located on the east side of the Capitol.

Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford posed for a photo with NDMCA President Melissa Dixon, NDMCA Executive Vice President Mike Gerhart, Highway Patrol Trooper of the Year Brian Melhoff and his family.

Awards presented for Trooper of the Year, excellence in road safety

The North Dakota Motor Carriers Association (NDMCA) awarded its members with several distinctions on Thursday evening, including the Trooper of the Year and Driver of the Year awards presented by Lt. Gov. Sanford. As the former chief financial officer of a trucking company, Sanford shared his own experiences with the transportation industry and expressed gratitude for those who work in trucking.

"Coming from private sector backgrounds, Gov. Burgum and I both appreciate the crucial role and significant economic impact of the transportation industry in North Dakota," Sanford said.

Prior to presenting the awards, Sanford discussed progress made during the legislative session to pass common-sense bills that will streamline processes for the trucking industry. He highlighted three particular pieces of legislation: HB 1291, which creates a lifetime trailer plate registration; SB 2151, which allows for prorated annual permits; and HB 1199, which allows the Department of Transportation to work with the Highway Patrol to develop an operational plan that provides guidelines for platooning.

Sanford congratulated Trooper Brian Melhoff for being named Trooper of the Year and Jason Moore for being awarded Driver of the Year. Founded in 1934, the NDMCA is an education and advocacy organization for the state's transportation industry.

New podcast discusses statewide UAS network

Gov. Burgum released a special episode of Work Worth Doing this week to discuss the potential of a new statewide UAS network. Funding for the network, which will serve as an air traffic control system for unmanned aircraft, is included in the Commerce Department's budget bill that was recently passed by the Legislature and signed by the governor.

As chair of the Northern Plains Unmanned Systems Authority, Lt. Gov. Sanford joined the podcast to discuss details. He said this project solidifies North Dakota's place as America's proving grounds for UAS.

Listen to the latest episode and catch up on previous conversations at the link below.

Application deadline for Ethics Commission approaching

The deadline to apply for service on the North Dakota Ethics Commission is quickly approaching. Applications to the Commission, which was established through a voter-approved constitutional amendment last November, will be accepted through Friday, May 24.

Appointments to the five-member Ethics Commission will be made by consensus agreement of the Governor, Senate Majority Leader and Senate Minority Leader. Interested individuals may apply under the “Boards” section of the governor’s website.

Several other boards and commissions are also accepting applications at this time. The full catalog of boards, including the Ethics Commission, can be found at the link below.

American Way magazine shines the spotlight on North Dakota

North Dakota's economic success story was recently profiled by American Way magazine! The magazine, a publication of American Airlines with a monthly audience of 16 million passengers, recognizes North Dakota as a land of innovation and opportunity for countless established and emerging local businesses. Read and share the story at the link below!

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