Senator Larry Lueck told the House Energy and Natural Resources Committee that Senate Bill 22‑76 aims to reduce inter‑county conflict over drainage and water projects by requiring counties to form joint project boards for projects that affect more than one county. He argued the mandate would reduce litigation and stalled projects that currently leave infrastructure in poor condition.

Danny Quistel, representing the North Dakota Water Resource Districts Association, described an amendment negotiated with the sponsor that narrows the bill to specific cross‑county situations and adds enforcement language. Quistel said the revised text clarifies the project board process, outlines benefit assessment procedures, provides landowner appeal rights, and gives courts discretion to order enforcement when a county refuses to process assessments associated with a board’s approved project.

Supporters including the North Dakota Farm Bureau, North Dakota Farmers Union and North Dakota Soybean Growers testified in favor of the bill with the proposed amendment. They said required participation would force counties to come together to negotiate benefits and assessments, avoiding stalemate.

Committee members questioned operational details: how often the joint boards would meet (left to local control), whether a county could opt out if it claimed lack of benefit, and whether county auditors had been consulted about the proposal to require them to process assessments originating from a project board. Witnesses acknowledged those operational questions and recommended further local coordination and follow‑up with county officials.

Why it matters: The measure addresses recurring disputes over drainage and water projects that cross county lines, attempting to create a statutory process to compel local coordination and provide enforcement options when counties refuse to participate.

Committee action: Supporters and water‑district representatives urged passage with the negotiated amendment; the transcript records committee discussion but no final vote.