releases: https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=ff7ada3c-7a4e-491a-bfd8-e25ff0d210f5
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=ff7ada3c-7a4e-491a-bfd8-e25ff0d210f5 | Heitkamp: General Atomics Grand Sky Groundbreaking Further Demonstrates ND Leadership in UAS | 2015-11-09 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | GRAND FORKS, N.D. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today reinforced the importance of generating public-private partnerships that have made Grand Forks a global hub of cutting-edge unmanned aerial systems (UAS) innovations, including by companies like General Atomics, which today broke ground on its new Flight Training Academy at the Grand Sky Business & Aviation Park. Heitkamp emphasized the need to capitalize on the momentum for private investment atGrand Sky by working to build out UAS aircraft technology for commercial use, so Grand Forks can solidify its place as a global hub of UAS innovation. North Dakota is solidifying its position as the go-to state for UAS technology partnerships and General Atomics breaking ground today on its future training academy for UAS operators is clear evidence of that, said Heitkamp. With General Atomics joining Northrop Grumman as tenants at Grand Sky, Grand Forks will undoubtedly be the premier place to train UAS operators to fly. We now need to springboard into greater efforts to apply the technological capabilities of these aircraft for public and commercial uses such as those that help farmers and energy utilities run their businesses, while making sure the airspace is safe and open to innovation but we have to keep communicating to get there. Thats why Ive been in consistent contact with FAA leaders for over a year, successfully pushing the agency to provide the guidance necessary to open up UAS testing in Grand Forks that will draw the investments this area needs to continue to lead UAS development. Long an advocate for public-private partnerships such as the Enhanced Use Lease (EUL) that paved the way for Grand Sky opening as the first UAS business park of its kind in the nation, Heitkamp also helped secure the Federal Aviation Administrations (FAA) approval of additional authority for North Dakota to provide airspace and flexibility for the Northern Plains UAS Test Site by personally calling on the head of the FAA to do so. Just two months later, the FAA heeded her request, helping North Dakota draw more private industry partnerships. A cofounder of the Senate Defense Communities Caucus, Heitkamp continues to work to encourage the safe commercial use of UAS, introducing bipartisan legislation in February to remove undue red-tape for UAS research, open the door to more private investments, and save taxpayers money. General Atomics follows Northrop Grumman in officially breaking ground formally becoming the second official tenant at Grand Skys business and technology park which offers the company and other future tenants state-of-the-art facilities, added security, access to the bases runway, and the ability to closely collaborate with the Air Force. Heitkamp has consistently worked to clear the way for UAS technology development, investment, and partnerships in North Dakota by: Successfully removing barriers to UAS technology development and investments: Heitkamp successfully pressed FAA Administrator Michael Huerta for results on his agencys efforts to improve the integration of UAS into the nations airspace, urging his agency last November to avoid delays that could hinder the growth of the industry. Just three months later, the FAA heeded her call announcing the UAS rule proposals she had asked for. Advancing in-state UAS technology development through FAA partnerships: After announcing in December 2013 the FAAs selection of Grand Forks as a one of six official UAS Test Sites, Heitkamp brought FAA Administrator Michael Huerta to North Dakota in April 2014 to see firsthand the states unmanned aerial potential, and he announced the Northern Plains Test Site was the first UAS test site to be officially up-and-running. Delivering results to strengthen public-private partnerships on UAS test sites: In November 2014, Heitkamp discussed efforts to finalize the Grand Sky project during a meeting with Grand Forks Base Realignment Impact Committee (BRIC) representatives. Heitkamp also pushed Air Force and Northrop Grumman leaders in several meetings on the positive impact that a fully-functioning Grand Sky business park would have for the Air Force and the private sector. In a July 2014 meeting, Heitkamp and then-Commander Colonel Paul Baumandiscussed the best strategies for completing the EUL approval process and creating a plan for its successful management. Last month, Heitkamp met with current Commander Colonel Rodney Lewis and discussed ways to support development at Grand Sky. That same month, Heitkamp highlighted the need for the continued encouragement of public-private partnerships at Northrop Grummans groundbreaking at Grand Sky making the company the first official tenant of the business and aviation park. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |