The proposed bill aims to appropriate $75,000 from the general fund to the agriculture commissioner for conducting an irrigation expansion study over the biennium from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027. This funding is designated as one-time funding and will be used to hire a consultant to analyze the potential economic benefits of expanding irrigation in North Dakota, including the impact on rural communities and the consequences of not implementing the originally designed irrigation infrastructure under the Pick-Sloan Flood Control Act of 1944. The study will also compare the economic contributions of irrigated versus nonirrigated land and assess the effectiveness of subsurface water management systems.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions that exempt the agriculture commissioner from state purchasing practices when contracting for services related to the study. The agriculture commissioner is required to present the findings and recommendations of the study, along with any proposed legislation needed to implement these recommendations, to the legislative management before July 1, 2026.