North Dakota officials on Tuesday broke ground to signify the start of construction for a new $70 million State Laboratory on the northeast corner of the Capitol grounds in Bismarck.
The 100,000-square-foot facility, which will be shared by the laboratory services divisions of the Department of Environmental Quality and the Department of Health and Human Services, is scheduled for completion by June 2026.
The new lab will provide consultation and training for handling and testing of samples, especially with regards to germs and poisons, while also ensuring compliance with federal Environmental Protection Agency and Food and Drug Administration regulations, among other functions. It's planned to serve as a workspace for around 50 state employees.
The 2021 and 2023 Legislatures approved funding for the project as the state sought to replace its existing lab, which is almost 50 years old. By placing the lab on the Capitol grounds, the state will also save money on land purchases, and the facility will also qualify for lower utility rates.
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Gov. Doug Burgum in a statement touted the planned updates, saying the new facility will allow for a "safer and more efficient workflow" and enable the state to better respond to public health issues.
"Whether they know it or not, every North Dakotan benefits from the State Laboratory, from water and air quality testing to disease prevention and control efforts in collaboration with community partners," Burgum said. "We're excited to embark on this transformative and historic project, which underscores our commitment to ensuring the health and safety of all North Dakotans."