BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. Doug Burgum will deliver welcoming remarks Wednesday at the Drone Focus Conference 2019 in Fargo, highlighting North Dakota’s leadership in the unmanned aerial systems (UAS) field, including a recently approved $28 million investment in a statewide UAS network.
The statewide UAS network will support drone flights beyond visual line of sight, helping to safely integrate unmanned aircraft into the National Airspace System. Burgum proposed funding the network in his executive budget recommendation in December, and the Legislature approved it last month. Lawmakers also appropriated $2 million to the Northern Plains UAS Test Site and $3 million to upgrade infrastructure at the Grand Sky UAS flight center.
The $33 million commitment brings North Dakota’s total investment to approximately $77 million to advance UAS research and development in the state. North Dakota was one of 10 test sites selected last year for the Federal Aviation Administration’s UAS Integration Pilot Program, with the North Dakota Department of Transportation leading the effort.
What: Gov. Burgum welcoming remarks at Drone Focus Conference 2019
When: 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 29
Where: Avalon Events Center, 2525 9th Ave. S., Fargo, N.D.
For more information about the conference, visit the Drone Focus website.