This bill appropriates a total of $769,257,471 to the North Dakota Department of Water Resources for expenses from the effective date until June 30, 2027. The funding includes enhancements for salaries, operating expenses, and capital assets, as well as significant allocations for water supply projects, such as $106,857,325 for the northwest area water supply and $101,000,000 for the southwest pipeline project. A new section is established for a biota water treatment plant operating fund, which will receive federal funds continuously. Additionally, the bill increases the line of credit limit from the Bank of North Dakota for water projects to $260,000,000.

The bill amends several sections of the North Dakota Century Code, including provisions related to the employment of attorneys by state agencies and the responsibilities of the water topics overview committee, which will now meet quarterly to review significant water project requests. It also exempts the state water commission from certain procurement requirements when contracting for studies on regional water systems governance and finance. The bill allows for the transfer of up to $5,000,000 between operating expenses and capital assets, with reporting requirements, and exempts certain appropriations for grants and water-related projects from usual funding restrictions. A specific appropriation of $1,800,000 is included for replacing the Bowman radar system, which is also exempt from these restrictions. The bill is declared an emergency measure, highlighting its immediate significance.

Statutes affected:
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Representative Swiontek: 61-02-79
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 61-02-79
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Senate Appropriations - Education and Environment Division Committee: 54-35-02.7, 61-02-79
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Conference Committee: 54-12-08, 54-35-02.7, 61-02-79
Enrollment: 54-12-08, 54-35-02.7, 61-02-79