UND President Armacost reacts to Fufeng decision

UND President Andrew Armacost has weighed in on the latest Fufeng developments.

In a statement, Armacost noted that Grand Forks Mayor Brandon Bochenski had voiced concern over what he felt were inconsistencies in federal policy regarding relations with China.

Armacost said he spoke with Bochenski on Tuesday, and “we both agree that everyone should feel welcome in the UND and Grand Forks communities.’

He said UND will continue working with city and local air base leaders to strengthen their ties… and continue to engage in partnerships with the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Space Force to improve national security.

Armacost added: “…every UND student and faculty member will continue to find a welcome home on the UND campus. My sincere hope is that the University and the citizens of Grand Forks continue to model and embrace this acceptance.”

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(Full statement from Armacost: )

Earlier this week, Mayor Brandon Bochenski announced that the City of Grand Forks would cease work on the Fufeng corn milling plant. This occurred following a federal review, which found that the project posed a significant threat to the national security of the United States and the sensitive missions happening at Grand Forks Air Force Base.

The decision came after more than a year of intense debate. In his statement on Monday, Mayor Bochenski accepted the decision and voiced concern over what he felt were inconsistencies in federal policy regarding relations with China. He and I spoke on Tuesday, and we both agree that everyone should feel welcome in the UND and Grand Forks communities.

UND values its strong relationships with the Grand Forks community and the Grand Forks Air Force Base. We will continue working with city and air base leaders to strengthen these ties. We will also continue to engage in partnerships and collaborations with the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Space Force to improve national security.

At the same time, we can work together to make UND and Grand Forks a welcoming place for all students and faculty, especially those who add so much to our region’s cultural diversity while contributing to the success and vibrancy of our University in many different ways.

Let me assure you that every UND student and faculty member will continue to find a welcome home on the UND campus. My sincere hope is that the University and the citizens of Grand Forks continue to model and embrace this acceptance.

Andrew P. Armacost
President
University of North Dakota