§ 61-24.3-01 — Legislative findings and intent

North Dakota § 61-24.3-01

• Jurisdiction: North Dakota
• Title 61: Waters
• Ch. 61-24.3: Southwest Pipeline Project

Text

The legislative assembly finds that adequate water supplies for municipal, domestic,
livestock, rural, irrigation, industrial, and other uses are essential for the social stability and
economic security of the people of the state of North Dakota. It is further found that the
development and utilization of the water resources of this state are necessary for the protection
of health, property, and enterprise, and for the promotion of prosperity and general welfare of
the people of the state of North Dakota, and that such development and utilization of water
resources in this state involves and requires the exercise of the sovereign powers of the state
and concern a public purpose. It is necessary the southwest pipeline project, as authorized and
approved pursuant to this chapter, be established and constructed, to provide for the
supplementation of the water resources of a portion of the area of North Dakota south and west
of the Missouri River with water supplies from the Missouri River for multiple purposes, including
domestic, rural, and municipal uses. In furtherance of this public purpose, the state water
commission may provide for the issuance of bonds not to exceed twenty-five million dollars in
accordance with chapter 61-02 to finance the cost of the project. The provisions of this chapter
may not be construed to abrogate or limit the rights, powers, duties, or functions of the state
water commission or the department of water resources, but are supplementary to the rights,
powers, duties, or functions. Nor may this chapter be construed as limiting or affecting the laws
of this state relating to the organization or operation of irrigation districts, water resource
districts, or other political subdivisions.