The bill amends section 61-16.1-45 of the North Dakota Century Code, which pertains to the maintenance of drainage projects. It establishes that if maintenance of an assessment drain is to be funded through special assessments, the maximum levy for agricultural lands cannot exceed four dollars per acre. The bill outlines two methods for levying these special assessments: one based on the original or reassessed benefits of agricultural lands, and the other requiring uniform assessment across all agricultural lands, with specific provisions for nonagricultural properties.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions regarding the voting process for landowners when the costs of cleaning and repairing drains exceed the maximum levy that can be collected over six years. It mandates that such votes must be recorded, and the board is required to keep a record of the votes. Importantly, if individuals vote against a project, the board is prohibited from approving surface or subsurface drainage for five years following that vote.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 61-16.1-45