BISMARCK, N.D. (KFGO) – Gov. Doug Burgum has signed an executive order to create an advisory committee to oversee funds received by North Dakota as part of 11 settlements with 13 opioid manufacturers and distributors for their roles in the opioid epidemic.
The Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee is made up of six voting members from state and local government, and a non-voting chairperson. The committee will receive, distribute, and recommend how the money should be spent by local governments to combat opioid abuse.
North Dakota could receive up to $62 million over the next four to 18 years. The committee was required as part of the settlements.
“The opioid epidemic has caused significant harm to individuals, families and communities across North Dakota, and it’s important that we immediately begin putting these settlement funds to use to address opioid abuse and support recovery from the disease of addiction,” Burgum said. “We’re grateful to the Attorney General’s Office for its collaboration in establishing this advisory committee to guide these efforts to end this public health crisis.”
Attorney General Drew Wrigley was part of the recommendation process for committee members.
“The settlement dollars we secured for North Dakota now have the sacred task of helping address the many agonies of addiction,” Wrigley said. “I thank Gov. Burgum for establishing the mechanism for putting these dollars to work and for his leadership on issues surrounding addiction.”
Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller will chair the committee, which will meet at least four times a year.
