The bill amends section 61-16.1-15.1 of the North Dakota Century Code to mandate the formation of joint water resource boards for projects that affect two or more counties. It specifies that districts from two or more counties shall jointly construct or assign benefits and assessments for such projects, replacing the previous language that allowed them to agree to do so. The bill requires the creation of a joint board before any project construction or assessment can take place, and it grants the joint board the powers of a water resource board as outlined in section 61-16.1-09.

Additionally, the bill expands the list of major drainage basins where projects can be undertaken, including the Cannon Ball - Heart - Knife Rivers and others, while removing the previous specific river names. It establishes a process for the joint board to determine the necessity and cost-effectiveness of a project, and if deemed necessary, to proceed with the creation, construction, and maintenance of the project, as well as the administration of the corresponding assessment district.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 61-16.1-15.1