BISMARCK – Gov. Doug Burgum says construction of a Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora would elevate North Dakota’s reputation around the globe.
Burgum has proposed dedicating $50 million of the interest from an oil tax savings account for the library being developed by a private foundation. He says state money would be matched by $100 million in private fundraising.
He pitched the idea Wednesday to a House appropriations subcommittee. Some lawmakers including Bismarck Rep. Mike Nathe say they’d like to see some solid private money commitments before they devote state money.
State lawmakers in 2013 pledged $12 million for a library project in Dickinson. But the foundation last year decided to put the project in Medora, at the entrance to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Nearly $10 million was returned to the state.