This bill aims to improve floodplain management in North Dakota by establishing new definitions and responsibilities for local governing bodies, including county commissioners, city governing bodies, and township supervisors. It introduces the terms "floodplain management" and "floodplain management ordinance," and mandates that these ordinances apply to all persons and property within their jurisdictions, with certain exceptions. The bill requires that any enacted ordinances be submitted to the Department of Water Resources for inclusion in a central repository, thereby enhancing coordination and oversight of floodplain management efforts.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to integrate floodplain management into emergency management and flood control projects, emphasizing comprehensive planning in zoning regulations. It allows townships to relinquish floodplain management authority back to the county through a written agreement and requires them to defend the county against claims related to noncompliance with flood management laws. The legislation also establishes a publicly accessible electronic repository for local floodplain management ordinances and agreements, ensuring that the Department of Water Resources maintains and updates this information annually. Overall, the bill seeks to create a more structured and collaborative approach to managing flood risks in North Dakota.

Statutes affected:
PREFILED: 11-33-03, 40-05-01, 40-47-03, 58-03-12, 61-16.2-02
Adopted by the Senate State and Local Government Committee: 11-33-03, 40-05-01, 40-47-03, 58-03-12, 61-16.2-02
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 11-33-03, 40-05-01, 40-47-03, 58-03-12, 61-16.2-02
Enrollment: 11-33-03, 40-05-01, 40-47-03, 58-03-12, 61-16.2-02
INTRODUCED: 11-33-03, 40-05-01, 40-47-03, 58-03-12, 61-16.2-02