Souris River Joint Water Resources Board

The meeting agenda included the consideration of the Conflicts of Interest Reporting Process, which was adopted after discussion regarding NDCC reference updates and changes to required forms. The Commission Secretary provided an update on allocated cost-share funds and future planning for the Water Development Plan. The Financial Report indicated that oil extraction tax deposits for the biennium were over projected revenue. Key project discussions included the allocation of $2.33 million for Contract 7-2B (Hydraulic Upgrades) for the Southwest Pipeline Project (SWPP) and the approval of the City of Minot's Mayor appointment to the Northwest Area Water Supply (NAWS) Authority. Progress report extensions were approved for the Western Area Water Supply Authority (WAWSA) Phase 6 Projects and the Upper Sheyenne River Watershed Pilot Project. Several municipal/rural water supply projects received state cost-share approvals, including rehabilitation for the City of McVille Water Treatment Plant, expansion for the Northeast Rural Water District, funding for the Walsh Rural Water District, and construction cost-share for the City of Medora water main replacement. The Commission approved $55,000,000 in cost-share funding for the Garrison Diversion Conservancy District (GDCD) Red River Valley Water Supply Project (RRVWS) and approved a loan request of $18,330,000 from the Water Infrastructure Revolving Loan Fund for the same project.

The meeting included the approval of the August 14, 2025, meeting agenda as amended. Discussions covered legal counsel recommendations regarding the conflict of interest policy and proposed ethics commission rules on third-party funded travel. The Commission Secretary provided updates on staffing and water allocation percentages. Key actions involved authorizing agreements for the Regional Governance and Finance study and the Cost-Share Policy Study, not to exceed $1,000,000 total. Financial reports highlighted oil extraction tax deposit figures exceeding projections. The Commission authorized the Secretary to award Southwest Pipeline Project Contract 7-2B for Hydraulic Upgrades in the New England Service Area, pending appeal deadlines related to ongoing litigation. Funding allocations were approved for the Northwest Area Water Supply (NAWS) Contract 1-1A for intake and pumping plant modifications. Appointments were made for Kristine Goettle and Craig Haskins to the NAWS Authority board. The Consent Agenda items were approved, covering funding for the Baukol-Noonan Dam Rehabilitation, Red River Basin Comm Operations, and service to Napoleon. Several cost-share requests were approved for Flood Control projects (City of Valley City Permanent Flood Protection, Lower Heart River WRD Flood Risk Reduction), General Water projects (Renwick Dam Safety Improvements, Pembina Co Dams Emergency Action Plans, Tongue River Cutoff Channel Improvements), and Water Supply projects (WAWSA Williston Regional WTP DeviceNET, U of Mary Service Area Water Storage). Project updates were provided for Devils Lake, Mouse River, Missouri River, NAWS, and SWPP. The meeting concluded with an Executive Session to discuss Attorney Consultation related to SWPP -- Intake, Contract 1-2A.

This Water Development Plan for North Dakota outlines strategic goals and priorities for water resources during the 2025-2027 biennium. Key objectives include enhancing resiliency, protecting citizens from adverse water-related impacts, and ensuring safe and reliable water supplies. The plan details funding allocations and identifies financial needs across critical areas such as water supply, flood protection, and general water management projects.

The meeting provided an overview of the state of water in North Dakota. Key discussion points included the State Water Commission's activities, drought conditions and their impact on livestock producers, budget allocations for water development projects, and the use of new technologies for aquifer investigations. There was also discussion on the Missouri River, with a focus on runoff projections and reservoir levels.

This strategic plan for the North Dakota State Water Commission and Office of the State Engineer outlines the agency's direction and expectations for the 2013-2015 timeframe. Its core purpose is to ensure an adequate supply of quality water for present and future generations, improve quality of life, and strengthen the state's economy through effective water resource management. Key strategic goals include regulating, developing, managing, educating about, collecting and distributing information on, and researching North Dakota's water resources. The plan details objectives across various programs such as water supply, flood control, dam safety, water rights administration, and environmental monitoring.