The North Dakota Industrial Commission has opened the application process for grant round 106 of the Lignite Research, Development and Marketing Program. Interested parties have until February 14, 2025, to submit their applications via email at ndicgrants@nd.gov.
The Lignite Research Council, which plays a role in administering the program alongside the Industrial Commission, will convene in March. The exact date and location of this meeting are yet to be determined.
This program represents a public/private partnership aimed at funding research and development projects that focus on North Dakota’s lignite resources. It is supported by revenues from coal severance tax, coal conversion tax, and oil and gas taxes. Annually, approximately $7.5 million is available for distribution through this initiative. Since its inception in 1987, more than $139 million has been invested by the state into lignite research funds. To date, over 250 projects have received support with a combined project value surpassing $2.5 billion.
Eligibility for funding extends to individuals as well as entities such as corporations, partnerships, cooperatives, associations or consortia thereof. A requirement for matching private dollars accompanies these funds. Further details about the program can be accessed on the Industrial Commission’s website at https://www.nd.gov/ndic/.
