North Dakota Century Code Title 61. Waters § 61-24.3-01. Legislative findings and intent

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, necessitates, and requires the exercise of the sovereign powers of the state and concern a public purpose.  Therefore, it is hereby declared necessary that 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, in any manner, abrogate or limit the rights, powers, duties, or functions of the state water commission or the state engineer, but are supplementary thereto.  Nor may this chapter be construed as limiting or in any way affecting the laws of this state relating to the organization or operation of irrigation districts, water resource districts, or other political subdivisions.