North Dakota Century Code Title 61. Waters § 61-02-23.2. Devils Lake outlet--Eminent domain--Design and build construction

1. Shall make a reasonable and diligent effort to acquire the property interests needed by negotiation. The commission is deemed to have made a reasonable and diligent effort if it has contacted or attempted to contact the owner of the property interest needed at least three times over a thirty-day period. If the commission is unable to acquire the interest needed by negotiation, then it may take possession of the interests needed after making a written offer to purchase and depositing the amount of the offer with the clerk of the district court of the county in which the property interest is located. The amount of the offer must be at least the average value per acre of comparable property. The clerk shall immediately notify the property owner in writing of the deposit. Within thirty days after receiving notice, the property owner may appeal to district court by serving notice of appeal upon the commission and the matter must be tried in the manner prescribed under chapter 32-15.

2. May issue, when it determines that it would be advantageous to the state or that it is necessary in order to construct the outlet in a timely manner, a request for proposals to design and build the outlet. The request for proposals must require that each proposal submitted contain a single price that includes the cost to design and build the outlet. Neither chapter 48-01.2 or 54-44.7, nor any other law requiring competitive bidding applies to the construction of the outlet if the commission determines to use the design and build procedure. The commission shall select the proposal that it determines is the most advantageous to the state.