North Dakota will activate 50 National Guard troops to assist with activities celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary, including the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt President Library.

The North Dakota Emergency Commission on Monday approved a $283,000 request to deploy the troops.

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The troops include 25 military police members and 25 general purpose soldiers that will be stationed in Dickinson and Bismarck from June 29 to July 6, Brig. Gen. Jackie Huber, assistant adjutant general for the North Dakota National Guard, said during Monday’s meeting.

“They’ll be available to support local and state law enforcement for any needs,” Huber said.

The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is scheduled to open the weekend of July 4 in Medora with thousands of donors, dignitaries and ticketed guests expected to attend during the opening weekend.

Huber said state and local law enforcement can request National Guard assistance for events through the same procedures as requesting help with disasters through the Department of Emergency Services.

“We’re super happy to support this and be a part of this celebration for our state,” she said.

In addition to the personnel costs, the funding will also cover equipment costs for 20 tactical vehicles and stand-by helicopter teams in Bismarck, according to the National Guard.

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Funding for the activation of National Guard soldiers will be paid through special funds in the North Dakota Disaster Relief Fund.

The deployment was made possible by Governor Kelly Armstrong’s activating the state’s emergency operations plan to support 250th anniversary celebrations through an executive order in April.

“We’re going to have some really cool events going on in North Dakota and the National Guard has been instrumental in preparing us for all of this,” Armstrong said during the meeting.

Huber said the funding will not cover any costs associated with drought, wildfire control operations or additional security for visiting federal dignitaries during the eight-day deployment.