BISMARCK — The North Dakota Department of Health said state leaders marked the official opening of the new North Dakota State Laboratory on the Capitol grounds on Oct. 20, 2026, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the facility northeast of the Capitol.
The department said Lt. Gov. Michelle Strinden led the ceremony, joined by state legislators, cabinet members and leaders from the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Environmental Quality. The announcement said remarks were also delivered by Health and Human Services Commissioner Conner Swanson and Environmental Quality Director Jennifer Turnbow.
According to the department, the laboratory cost $70 million in federal funding and covers 100,000 square feet. Zerr-Berg Architects designed the building, and Kraus-Anderson served as construction manager, the announcement said.
The department said the facility is intended to support testing needs, including monitoring infectious diseases, protecting water quality and responding to emerging threats. Its design is intended to improve regulatory compliance, expand access to testing programs and streamline laboratory work, according to the announcement.
The new laboratory houses about 50 staff members from Health and Human Services and Environmental Quality, the department said. The building also includes areas for public engagement, academic collaboration and educational outreach, according to the announcement.
The department said the ceremony was livestreamed on the governor’s website and that a playback is available on the HHS YouTube page.