Bismarck  (NDDOT)  In preparation for spring flooding, the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) and Northern Plains UAS Test Site (NPUASTS) announced a new plan to help improve and supplement its current unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) program.

“This partnership is another great example of how our whole-of-government approach to natural disasters and other major events is enhancing services for North Dakota citizens,” Gov. Doug Burgum said. “Harnessing this cutting-edge technology to improve flood preparation and response efforts shows again why North Dakota is the nation’s proving ground for UAS.”

The plan will provide UAS flight operations and capture photo and video for the NDDOT to enhance emergency response to flooding across the state.

“We are very excited for this partnership and what it means for our UAS program and the state of North Dakota,” said NDDOT Director Bill Panos. “This imagery will provide us with valuable information and give us a new prospective on flooding.”

NPUASTS will utilize its own resources and local vendors to accomplish the emergency response efforts.