North Dakota – North Dakota officials have celebrated the opening of a new $70 million State Laboratory on the Capitol grounds, marking a major investment in the state’s ability to monitor public health, protect water quality and respond to emerging threats.

Lt. Gov. Michelle Strinden, who chairs the Capitol Grounds Planning Commission, led the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new facility northeast of the Capitol. State legislators, cabinet members and leaders from the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Environmental Quality also attended.

“Today’s ribbon cutting marks more than the completion of a building. It represents a new chapter in how North Dakota protects the health of its people and environment,” Strinden said.

The lieutenant governor said the facility provides scientists and laboratory staff with modern tools to identify potential threats earlier, respond more quickly and serve communities more effectively.

“This laboratory gives our scientists and staff the modern tools they need to detect threats early, respond quickly and serve communities with greater precision,” Strinden said. “It’s the kind of long-term investment that strengthens our state for generations to come.”

The $70 million facility was funded through federal sources and covers approximately 100,000 square feet. Zerr-Berg Architects designed the building, while Kraus-Anderson served as construction manager.

The laboratory was developed to accommodate North Dakota’s growing testing needs and provide updated infrastructure for public health and environmental monitoring. Its capabilities include testing related to infectious diseases, water quality and other potential threats that could affect communities across the state.

The facility is also designed to improve regulatory compliance, expand access to testing programs and streamline laboratory operations. Officials expect the updated workspace and technology to help staff carry out their work more efficiently while adapting to changing public health and environmental demands.

Health and Human Services Commissioner Conner Swanson and Environmental Quality Director Jennifer Turnbow also delivered remarks during the ceremony, highlighting the facility’s role in supporting the work of their respective agencies.

The new building houses approximately 50 employees from the two departments, bringing laboratory staff into a modern facility designed to support collaboration and day-to-day testing operations.

Beyond its laboratory functions, the building includes dedicated spaces for public engagement, academic collaboration and educational outreach. Those areas are intended to help connect the laboratory’s work with communities and educational institutions while encouraging interest in science among future generations.

The opening comes as public health and environmental agencies continue to rely on laboratory testing to identify disease risks, assess environmental conditions and provide information that helps guide government responses. Having modern facilities and equipment is particularly important when agencies must investigate emerging threats or manage increasing testing demands.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was livestreamed on the governor’s website, allowing residents throughout North Dakota to watch the opening of the new state resource.

With the facility now officially open, state officials say the investment will support public health protection, environmental monitoring and laboratory services for North Dakota communities for years to come.