BISMARCK, N.D. – State leaders gathered on October 20, 2026, on the Capitol grounds to mark the official opening of the new North Dakota State Laboratory. The modern facility is intended to strengthen the state’s ability to monitor public health and environmental quality, according to officials present at the event.
Lt. Gov. Michelle Strinden, who chairs the Capitol Grounds Planning Commission, led a ribbon cutting ceremony at the laboratory’s site, located northeast of the Capitol building. She was joined by state legislators, various cabinet members, and leadership from both the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services and the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality.
During the ceremony, Strinden delivered remarks, emphasizing the significance of the new building. She stated that the ribbon cutting represents a "new chapter in how North Dakota protects the health of its people and environment." Strinden further added that the laboratory provides scientists and staff with modern tools necessary for early threat detection, quick response, and precise service to communities. She characterized the project as a long-term investment designed to strengthen the state for future generations. Health and Human Services Commissioner Conner Swanson and Environmental Quality Director Jennifer Turnbow also provided remarks at the event.
The state-of-the-art facility, totaling 100,000 square feet, was constructed at a cost of $70 million, funded entirely through federal sources. Designed by Zerr-Berg Architects, the structure features modern laboratory technology and scalable infrastructure, allowing it to adapt to evolving needs. Kraus-Anderson served as the construction manager for the project.
Built to address North Dakota's increasing testing demands, the new laboratory is equipped to enhance the state’s capacity for several critical functions. These include monitoring infectious diseases, protecting water quality across the state, and responding effectively to emerging threats that could impact residents of Burleigh and Morton counties and beyond. The design of the facility is also aimed at improving regulatory compliance, expanding access to crucial testing programs, and streamlining internal workflows to ensure more efficient operations.
The new laboratory also prioritizes its staff, providing a safe and modern workspace for the approximately 50 individuals now housed there. These staff members are drawn from the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services and the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality. Beyond its core functions, the facility integrates dedicated areas for public engagement, academic collaboration with institutions, and educational outreach initiatives. These outreach programs are specifically designed to inspire and inform the next generation of scientists, fostering future expertise within the state.
Residents across North Dakota were able to participate in the opening of this public health and environmental resource, as the ribbon cutting ceremony was livestreamed on the governor’s website. Playback of the event remains available for viewing on the Health and Human Services YouTube page.
