25.1245.02000
Sixty-ninth
Legislative Assembly
of North Dakota
Introduced by
Representatives Schreiber-Beck, Beltz, Fisher, Hagert, Kiefert, Monson
Senators Luick, Myrdal, Wanzek, Weber
A BILL for an Act to provide an appropriation to the agriculture commissioner to conduct an
irrigation expansion study; and to provide for a report to the legislative management.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF NORTH DAKOTA:
SECTION 1. APPROPRIATION - GENERAL FUND - AGRICULTURE COMMISSIONER -
IRRIGATION EXPANSION STUDY - ONE-TIME FUNDING - REPORT TO THE LEGISLATIVE
MANAGEMENT.
1.There is appropriated out of any moneys in the general fund in the state treasury, not
otherwise appropriated, the sum of $75,000, or so much of the sum as may be
necessary, to the agriculture commissioner for the purpose of contracting with a
consultant to study the potential benefits of expanding irrigation throughout the state,
for the biennium beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2027. The funding is
considered a one-time funding item.
2.The consultant shall study:
a.The potential economic benefits of increased irrigation and improved water
conveyance in rural communities of the state;
b.The ramifications of failing to construct and implement irrigation infrastructure as
originally designed under the Pick-Sloan Flood Control Act of 1944 [Pub. L.
78-534; 58 Stat. 887];
c.A comparison of the economic contribution between irrigated land and
nonirrigated land;
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HOUSE BILL NO. 1531
HOUSE BILL NO. 1531
with Senate Amendments
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20 Sixty-ninth
Legislative Assembly
d.A comparison of the economic contribution between using subsurface water
management systems and land not using subsurface water management
systems; and
e.Any other factors that would improve and expand irrigation in the state along with
any perceived benefits from expanded irrigation.
3.The agriculture commissioner is exempt from the state purchasing practices under
chapter 54-44.4 when contracting for services to accomplish the study.
4.Before July 1, 2026, the agriculture commissioner shall present the findings and
recommendations of the study, and any proposed legislation necessary to implement
the recommendations, to the legislative management.
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