Gov. Doug Burgum says things are “going forward” in terms of the proposed Theodore Roosevelt Library and Museum, planned for Medora.
Burgum and North Dakota's two US Senators, John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer, hosted Federal Interior Secretary David Bernhardt, who came to North Dakota to tour the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and to discuss the plans for the Library.
The Legislature has set aside $50 million for the project – if and when $100 million can be raised privately.
Burgum told reporters the private fundraising efforts have begun. He said two co-chairs have been named – Theodore Roosevelt V, and Melanie Walton.
"We've had a series of good introductory events," Burgum said. "I would say interest is strong."
Burgum said he believes people are seeing an opportunity to make an investment in something that is "significant, and will leave a tremendous legacy."
"It will have an opportunity to be really relevant to the country today," Burgum said.
It had been suggested that one location for the Library would be on National Park land. In a brief interview with Prairie Public, Bernhardt said that is a possibility.
"I think there are multiple options," Bernhardt said. "There could be something done in the park. There could be a land exchange. There could be something outside.
"What we want to do is make sure it is successful for everybody," Bernhardt said. "That's what's most important to us."
