Julie Fedorchak
04/25/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/25/2025 15:15
Julie’s Journal: Recap from the April state work period
Bismarck, ND - From ag innovation and career readiness to reliable water access and small business success, Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) spent the last two weeks hearing directly from the everyday North Dakotans who are building our state's future. Julie joined Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Senator Hoeven (R-ND) for a day full of events focused on the challenges and opportunities in our state's agriculture industry. She also sat down with mayors, city council members, water boards, small business owners, local Corps leaders, and individual citizens to discuss infrastructure needs, workforce issues, tariffs, federal funding pauses, immigration, and a wide variety of other policy issues. Check out these photos recapping her state work period:
In Fargo, Julie met with Mayor Tim Mahoney and Deputy Mayor Denise Kolpack for an update on the Red River Valley Water Supply Project. This project will help secure long-term water supply for central and eastern North Dakota during times of drought. Construction is underway and with strong local leadership the finish line is in sight!
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North Dakota's small business owners build our main streets and business communities. Julie stopped by Eco Chic in Fargo to visit with Maria Bosak, whose eye for design has helped turn this home store into a local gem. The store is a must-see and a perfect example of North Dakota's entrepreneurial spirit at work.
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Just like energy, our existing water supplies are not enough to keep the taps running if a drought occurred. Julie joined the Lake Agassiz Water Authority board for a discussion on one of the most pressing infrastructure needs in our region: long-term, reliable water access. Our state's water leaders work quietly and largely behind the scenes, but their steady effort and strategic collaboration are getting big things done. Let's just say, these folks "make waves" in the best sense of the term!
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At NDSU, Julie joined Secretary Rollins, Senator Hoeven, Governor Armstrong, Ag Commissioner Doug Goehring, and a strong group of North Dakota producers, researchers, and business leaders for a roundtable on the future of agriculture. Secretary Rollins announced $5 million in disaster assistance for North Dakota to help rebuild electric infrastructure after storms and wildfires. We're grateful for the Trump administration's strong support for North Dakota farmers and ranchers.
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Following the roundtable, Julie joined NDSU's Student Ag Ambassadors for lunch and an encouraging conversation about the future of farming and agribusiness in North Dakota. These students are thinking big and already stepping up as the next generation of ag leaders-North Dakota's future is in great hands.
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At the Grand Farm Innovation Campus in Wheatland, Julie joined the delegation for a hands-on look at the cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of precision agriculture. From solving workforce shortages to boosting yields and reducing input costs, the innovation happening here is unlocking real solutions for farm country. As Julie put it: "It's a new day in agriculture."
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The day wrapped up with a tour of the American Crystal Sugar Company processing plant in Moorhead, where North Dakota's multi-generational sugar beet growers turn a key crop into high-value products. From supporting jobs to strengthening rural co-ops and local economies, this is value-added agriculture at its finest. Sweet!
At the North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS), Julie met with President Rod Flanigan and had lunch with students on the volleyball team at their amazing cafeteria. The school's motto is, "The science of learning by doing" and it's clear they live it out. From the auto body and diesel shops to the Allied Health center and the state's only culinary program, NDSCS is equipping students with real-world skills that businesses need. Julie is especially excited about their new aviation maintenance program launching this fall-great news for students and for North Dakota's growing aviation industry. This is the kind of hands-on education that keeps our economy strong and gives young people a fast track to great careers with no debt. Go Wildcats!
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Julie sat down with Wahpeton Mayor Brett Lambrecht and his team of city officials to hear about all the promising projects underway and to discuss top concerns like water supply and wastewater treatment. From the Legacy Lakes development to a new wellness center and industrial projects like a new dairy looking to expand nearby, Wahpeton is growing with purpose. This southeast ND town is an example of what strong local leadership, collaboration, and smart planning can accomplish. What a great group of problem solvers!
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Julie visited Continental AG in Wahpeton and met with Rod Koch, Head of Plant Management, to learn more about their global operation and local impact. Since acquiring WCCO Belting in 2022, they've kept their strong local roots while powering a global business-making top-tier belts, drapers, and feeders used in ag and construction around the world. Whether it's in the field or on a construction site, their custom rubber belting helps producers and businesses efficiently move materials and products. Continental AG is proof that innovation in North Dakota is quite literally moving the world forward.
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CLICK HEREto watch a recap of Julie's time with Secretary Rollins for a series of agriculture events hosted by Senator Hoeven.
ICYMI: Julie is hosting her second Fedorchak Forum: Conversations with Constituentson Thursday, May 1st at 7:00 pm CT (6:00 pm MT), where she will answer your questions and discuss key legislative priorities in real time! CLICK HEREto sign up and participate.