(BISMARCK, ND) – A bill seeking to expand the uncrewed aircraft systems state radar data pathfinder program and participate in the federal radar data pathfinder program administered by the Federal Aviation Administration is headed to Governor Kelly Armstrong’s desk.
House Bill 1038 passed 84-3 in the North Dakota House Thursday afternoon. It contains an emergency clause, making the bill law as soon as signed by Armstrong. Rep. Mike Nathe (R-Bismarck), one of the bill’s sponsors, tells WDAY/WZFG Radio News that the emergency clause is necessary.
“The money is needed to be available immediately, so they can begin to work on the security requirements so they can access the FAA data for the Vantis system,” he said. “They cannot wait till July 1 when normal bills take effect. If they were to do so, North Dakota would definitely lose the opportunity to some other state. This issue is extremely time sensitive. It needs to be done right now.”
