GRAND FORKS — The autonomous ecosystem in North Dakota announced the formation of the North Dakota Unmanned Autonomous Systems Council, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote and advocate for the UAS industry in North Dakota and provide ongoing opportunities for networking and community outreach.

The impetus for the council’s formation came from meetings with legislators, who suggested a statewide council would be beneficial as an inclusive source of information, best practices and advocacy.

The council will work closely with the North Dakota UAS Test Site in Grand Forks. It is finalizing board positions and intends to have its first official event during the upcoming N.D. UAS Summit in October. More information can be found at nduas.org.