N.D. Cent. Code § 61-24.7-01

The legislative assembly finds that the provision of water of sufficient quantity and quality to supply homes, businesses, industries, wildlife, and recreation in the Red River valley within this state is necessary for the protection of health, property, and enterprises and for the promotion of prosperity and the general welfare of the people of the Red River valley and that construction of the Red River valley water supply project involves and requires the exercise of the sovereign powers of the state and concerns a public purpose. Therefore, it is declared necessary and in the public interest that the state by and through the state water commission provide a share of the cost of constructing the Red River valley water supply project.