The bill amends sections of the North Dakota Century Code to enhance the collaborative efforts of joint water resource boards, particularly for projects that affect multiple counties. It mandates the formation of joint water resource boards for such projects and outlines the procedures for their operation. Key provisions include the requirement for equal representation from each district on the joint board, the ability for districts to disburse funds from their budgets for joint projects, and the establishment of a budget process for the joint board. Additionally, the bill allows for the creation of assessment districts and outlines the procedures for levying assessments against properties benefiting from joint projects.

Significant changes include the introduction of new provisions that require a joint board to be formed before constructing projects that span multiple counties and the establishment of mediation processes to resolve conflicts among joint board members. The bill also allows for judicial review of actions taken by water resource boards if there is a failure to cooperate in good faith. Furthermore, it removes previous requirements for all districts within certain drainage basins to form a joint water resource board, thereby providing more flexibility in how these boards are organized and operated.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 61-16.1-15.1
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Senator Luick: 61-16.1-11, 61-16.1-15.1, 61-16.1-59
Enrollment: 61-16.1-11, 61-16.1-15.1, 61-16.1-59