The bill amends section 61-34-04 of the North Dakota Century Code, which pertains to the eligibility criteria for the drought disaster livestock water assistance program. The key changes include the removal of the requirement for applicants to first seek cost-share assistance from the United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency before applying for state assistance. Additionally, the bill eliminates the need for applicants to provide documentation from the USDA Farm Service Agency regarding the denial of cost-share assistance when forwarding their application to the commission.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies that the Department of Water Resources will review all applications received by the commission and allows for funding consideration of water supply projects that commence after the application for funding is made, even if they do not have prior approval from the department. The bill also specifies that projects located on Indian land are eligible for assistance under the program, ensuring broader access to support for livestock water supply issues caused by drought.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 61-34-04
Enrollment: 61-34-04
PREFILED: 61-34-04