State leaders celebrate ribbon cutting for new North Dakota State Laboratory
BISMARCK, N.D. (OCT. 20, 2026) – State leaders gathered today on the Capitol grounds to celebrate the official opening of the new North Dakota State Laboratory, a modern facility that strengthens the state’s ability to monitor public health and environmental quality.
Lt. Gov. Michelle Strinden, who chairs the Capitol Grounds Planning Commission, led the ribbon cutting ceremony at the laboratory’s site northeast of the Capitol. She was joined by state legislators, cabinet members and leadership from the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services and the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality.
“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. “This laboratory gives our scientists and staff the modern tools they need to detect threats early, respond quickly and serve communities with greater precision. It’s the kind of long-term investment that strengthens our state for generations to come.”
The ceremony featured remarks from Strinden, Health and Human Services Commissioner Conner Swanson and Environmental Quality Director Jennifer Turnbow.
The $70 million facility was funded through federal sources. The 100,000-square-foot structure, designed by Zerr-Berg Architects, is equipped with modern laboratory technology and scalable infrastructure to meet evolving needs. Kraus-Anderson served as the construction manager.
Built to support the state’s growing testing needs, the new laboratory enhances North Dakota’s capacity to monitor infectious diseases, protect water quality and respond to emerging threats. The facility’s design improves regulatory compliance, expands access to testing programs and streamlines workflows to enable more efficient operations. It also provides a safe, modern workspace for staff and includes dedicated areas for public engagement, academic collaboration and educational outreach aimed at inspiring the next generation of scientists.
The laboratory now houses about 50 staff members from Health and Human Services and Environmental Quality.
The ribbon cutting ceremony was livestreamed on the governor’s website, allowing residents across the state to take part in the opening of this major public health and environmental resource. The playback can be found on the HHS YouTube page. For more information on the North Dakota State Laboratory project, visit the Health and Human Services website at hhs.nd.gov/nd-state-laboratory.
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