BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - A massive federal spending package approved by Congress this week to provide fresh coronavirus relief includes a provision to fund the proposed Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in North Dakota.
The $2.3 trillion spending package outlined the terms of a land sale for the library planned in honor of the 26th U.S. president. Roosevelt ranched and hunted in what is now western North Dakota in the 1880s. The bill awaits President Donald Trump’s signature.
Library CEO Ed O’Keefe told the Bismarck Tribune that the legislation gives the U.S. agriculture secretary the power to direct the U.S. Forest Service to sell the 93 acres of land eyed for the library, and includes a survey and appraisal of the land.
The North Dakota Legislature last year approved $50 million to operate the library, but specified it must be matched by $100 million in private money for construction and to fund an ongoing project at nearby Dickinson State University to digitize tens of thousands of Roosevelt’s papers.
The library foundation announced that it had obtained the $100 million in commitments in October.
The library has been a top priority for Republican Gov. Doug Burgum, who has promoted the library as an anchor for North Dakota tourism and a fitting tribute to Roosevelt.
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