AN ACT to amend and reenact subsection 9 of section 61-02-02 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to water conveyance projects and works.
Summary
SB 2153 makes a narrow definitional change in North Dakota water law. It amends subsection 9 of section 61-02-02 of the North Dakota Century Code to revise the definition of “project” as it applies to water conveyance projects and related works. Under the bill, a “project” includes a water conveyance project or any one or combination of the listed works when those works are physically connected or jointly managed and operated as a single unit.
The bill does not create a new program or funding source; instead, it clarifies how existing law groups and identifies water infrastructure projects for purposes of administration, planning, or regulation under chapter 61-02. The practical effect is to give state agencies, local entities, and project sponsors a clearer statutory basis for treating connected or jointly operated water works as one project.
Impact
SB 2153 amends the North Dakota Century Code’s water resources provisions, specifically the statutory definition of “project” in section 61-02-02. This affects how water conveyance projects and associated works are classified under state law, which may influence project approval, coordination, management, and any legal or administrative processes that depend on the definition. Because the change is definitional, its impact is likely limited to interpretation and application of existing water infrastructure statutes rather than substantive policy changes.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been broadly supported and noncontroversial. It passed the Senate unanimously 44-0 and the House overwhelmingly 91-1, indicating strong bipartisan agreement. The absence of committee transcripts or recorded debate suggests there was little public or legislative opposition to the measure.
Contention
There is no documented committee testimony or floor debate indicating major disagreement. Any potential point of contention would likely have centered on whether the revised definition could broaden the scope of what counts as a single water project, but the voting record shows almost no resistance. The lone House no vote suggests at most a minor objection, not a sustained controversy.
AN ACT to amend and reenact subsection 1 of section 54-10-14, subsection 1 of section 54-10-15, and sections 61-35-09 and 61-35-10 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to oversight of water districts.
AN ACT to amend and reenact subsection 13 of section 1-01-49, subsection 4 of section 10-30.5-01, and section 40-57.1-02 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the definition of primary sector business.