Bruce Klein

The committee meeting agenda included a review of returned grant funds, a status update on current funding and project reviews, and the consideration of multiple water supply assistance grant applications for rural water districts and a municipality. The committee also planned to deliberate on future program guidelines and financial sustainability, including potential adjustments to grant thresholds and application processes.

The Committee discussed the Red River Valley Water Supply Project, including a construction update on pipeline progress and design updates. Technical and environmental aspects were reviewed, specifically water quality data analysis for the McClusky Canal and the results of pilot testing at the Biota Water Treatment Plant. The Committee approved Change Order No. 2 for Contract 5D. Furthermore, three engineering task orders were approved to support user outreach, financial modeling, program management, and operational planning.

The Board of Directors discussed several key projects and operational matters. Discussions included an update on the Red River Valley Water Supply Project, including construction progress, financial and task order updates, and bid awards for new pipeline contracts. The Board approved a resolution related to the split delivery concept for the water supply project and authorized financial documents for the Series F Interim Financing Agreement. Additionally, the Board reviewed reports on the McClusky Canal slide repair, irrigation projects, and received updates on the Educate, Advocate and Engage program, as well as federal funding prospects. A decision was made to hold a public hearing regarding the Burleigh County petition for exclusion. The Board also conducted elections for positions on the Executive Committee and approved the 2026 Work Plan.

The Executive Committee agenda for March 12, 2026, included consideration of minutes from October 16, 2025, and December 18, 2025 meetings, followed by a financial report detailing 2025 budget revisions and the 2026 budget timeline. Operational updates covered O&M and Irrigation matters. Significant time was allocated to the Red River Valley Water Supply Project (RRVWSP), covering updates on federal funding, canal work, Biota Water Treatment Plant design, and various task orders and bid awards related to pipeline construction. The committee also addressed funding support for the North Dakota Irrigation Association and the Missouri River Joint Water Board. Other key items included updates on LAWA activities and discussion regarding Burleigh County's petition for removal from the District.

The Executive Committee meeting agenda included several key items for discussion and action. Financial matters covered 2024 and 2025 budget revisions and the financial statement review for 2024. Operational updates addressed O&M activities, including repairs to the McClusky Canal and other site maintenance, and irrigation updates, such as a potential new irrigation project near Lake Audubon. Reports were presented from the Bureau of Reclamation and the MR&I Committee, detailing construction reports and the Water Supply Assistance Grant Program. An update on the ND Water Users/Coalition/Irrigation Association activities was provided, alongside a comprehensive update on the Red River Valley Water Supply Project (RRVWSP), including contract awards (Contract 6A), progress on ENDAWS electrical service, and approval requests for Memorandums of Commitment and Series D Small Systems Amendments. Legislative updates focused on specific House and Senate bills. The committee also discussed the 2025 Garrison Diversion Work Plan and planned Executive Committee elections. Finally, action was taken regarding sharing lobbying services for Terry Effertz.