A group that will be raising private donations for the new Governor’s residence has launched a new Web site.
“Friends of the Governor’s Residence” has been tasked with raising $1 million. Once it hits the $500,000 threshold, ground can be broken.
"One of the things that was important to us is that we give broad access to all North Dakotans, to be able to participate in this process," said Jim Poolman, co-chair of the Friends' fundraising committee. "It really is creating a new part of history for North Dakota."
Poolman says once a design for the new residence is chosen, people who go to the Web site will be able to look at floor plans and drawings. He says the Web site will also be updated as the residence is built.
"People are making an investment," Poolman said. "They're making an investment in not only a building, but a home, and the state's calling card. We want people to be able to track their investments as it's being built."
Poolman says the goal is to have the first half- million raised by the end of the calendar year.