BISMARCK, N.D. — The Joint Appropriations Committee met Wednesday during a special legislative session to consider Senate Bill 2407, a measure addressing a temporary construction pause and funding framework for the North Dakota Military Gallery.
Co-Chairman Brad Bekkedahl and Co-Chairman Don Vigesaa opened the hearing by asking members to focus on potential solutions rather than past controversies. “This is an opportunity for resolution, not recrimination,” Bekkedahl said.
Senate Bill 2407, introduced by prime sponsor Sen. David Hogue, R-Minot, would authorize a $35 million line of credit through the Bank of North Dakota to maintain construction on the $78 million project. The overall project features a $65 million physical structure—including a 20,000-square-foot military gallery and a regimental room—alongside $13 million budgeted for exhibits and other costs.
Hogue testified that approximately $24 million in state funds has been expended on the structure, which is currently about 35 percent complete overall. Construction has been paused for roughly 60 days due to a lack of available funds to pay project contractors.
“I come before you as a witness with bias. And my bias is that we’re the owner of this project,” Hogue said, cautioning against further delays. “The owner does not benefit from delay. And the costs of delay only go up.”
The committee heard testimony regarding the status of the project’s private fundraising campaign, which is tasked with raising approximately $39 million to meet a 50 percent private matching goal.
Shannon Schweigert, managing partner of PACE Fundraising, reported that out of 156 qualified donor prospects, the campaign is actively in conversation with 65 prospects representing $75 million in ask goals. Eighteen prospects hold formal proposals totaling $27,825,000. Schweigert noted that signed pledges currently stand at $4,162,000, with approximately $800,000 collected in cash to date. The figures declined following the loss of a major pledge earlier in the year.
Tom Jobe, capital complex physical plant director for the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), provided financial documentation showing $4.7 million in outstanding contractor invoices. Jobe presented multiple financial paths, noting that enclosing the building, finishing the roof, winterizing the shell, and paying accrued bills would require approximately $14 million to $15 million. Completing the building structure through June 30, 2027, without interior exhibit galleries, would cost an estimated $33.5 million.
Lawmakers examined alternative proposals to address the site before winter:
- Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund (SIIF) Release: Rep. Glenn Bosch, R-Bismarck, presented an amendment to release $15 million previously appropriated from SIIF by repealing a statutory requirement that 33% of private donations be pledged first. The funds would pay outstanding invoices and complete the exterior shell through the current biennium.
- Reduced Line of Credit: Sen. Jamie Selzler, D-Fargo, proposed an amendment to reduce the authorized Bank of North Dakota line of credit to $8 million. The funds would settle outstanding invoices and stabilize the structure, directing project leaders to present a scaled-back project plan during the 2027 regular session.
Local contractors testified regarding the impact of the ongoing pause.
Mark Thompson of H.A. Thompson and Sons told the committee his firm has nearly $1.9 million in unpaid pay requests and expressed concern over labor retention, equipment warranties, and component weather exposure.
State Historical Society Director Dr. Bill Peterson and North Dakota National Guard Foundation President Jackie Huber spoke in support of completing the gallery, citing its role in preserving state military history and honoring veterans.
Public testimony included opposition from Lucinda Johnson of Beulah, who criticized the total scope and expenditure of the project, urging greater fiscal restraint.
The committee recessed for floor sessions before returning to evaluate proposed amendments.
