The Current is a quarterly Department of Water Resources newsletter that provides the latest agency-specific information concerning water development, regulatory and appropriation efforts, water education, policy changes, Water Commission meeting highlights, and much more. We hope you find the content interesting, useful, and insightful.
The Current - August
NEW Water Availability Map For Economic Development
Check out the new DWR ND Water Availability Potential For Economic Development map! The purpose of this map is to provide a starting point for future water users who are considering North Dakota to site large-scale industrial or agricultural processing facilities.
SWC DRAFT Cost-Share Policy & Prioritization Guidance
The Draft Water Commission Cost-Share Policy, Procedure, and General Requirements, and the Draft Water Project Prioritization Guidance are available for review and public comment. Comments can be mailed to DWR at 900 East Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck ND, 58505, or emailed.
The 45-day comment period is July 1 through August 15, 2022.
DRAFT Cost-Share Policy, Procedure, and General Requirements (Marked-Up)
DRAFT Cost-Share Policy, Procedure, and General Requirements
2023 Water Development Plan - Inventory Review
A draft of the 2023-2025 water project inventory is available for review. Local sponsors are encouraged to look at the inventory to confirm the information related to their project(s) is correct. If updates or corrections are needed, please send those via email by August 15, 2022. If the information looks correct, no further action is necessary.
Thanks to all the project sponsors who participated in the inventory process!
DWR Seeking Public Input on Administrative Code Updates
The North Dakota Department of Water Resources (DWR) is seeking public input on proposed changes to N.D. Administrative Code (N.D.A.C.) Title 89. You can view the proposed rule changes below. A public hearing will be held August 11, 9:30 a.m. CST. The public can virtually participate in that hearing via Microsoft Teams here.
Full Notice of Intent to Amend Administrative Rules
Combined Administrative Rules Proposed Changes
Proposed Changes
Proposed Fiscal Note NDAC 89-03-01-13.1
Proposed Regulatory Analysis
Proposed Small Entity Economic Impact Statement
Proposed Small Entity Regulatory Analysis
Proposed Takings Assessment
Apply For Cost-Share Through WebGrants & FIND (Funding for Infrastructure in North Dakota)
The Department of Water Resources (DWR) is now using North Dakota’s WebGrants online application system for Cost-Share Program applications. The funding opportunity within WebGrants is called FIND. Under FIND, applicants can also be considered for funding/loan opportunities through the Bank of North Dakota (BND), Public Finance Authority (PFA), and the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
To learn more about applying through WebGrants and FIND, check out this tutorial video developed by DWR, BND, PFA, and DEQ.
Drought Disaster Livestock Water Supply Project Assistance Program
N.D.A.C., Section 89-11 provides the Department of Water Resources the ability to provide cost-share assistance to livestock producers with water supply shortages caused by drought.
Eligible livestock producers in drought proclamation counties may qualify for up to $4,500 in cost-share assistance, for up to three projects, on the following items:
- New water wells,
- New rural water system connections,
- New pipeline extensions, pasture taps, and associated works,
- Contract labor, materials, and equipment rentals for work completed by the producer to develop new water supply projects.
For additional program details and application forms click here.
Water Commission Meetings
In order to access the bookmark function for the agendas, please view this document via a Firefox browser or download it and view in Adobe Acrobat.
August 11, 2022 / 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.(CT) / Agenda and Meeting Material
Pioneer Room, 1st Floor, Judicial Wing, State Capitol
October 13, 2022 / 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.(CT)
Pioneer Room, 1st Floor, Judicial Wing, State Capitol
December 9, 2022 / 9:00 a.m. to Noon(CT)
Bismarck Hotel and Conference Center, Bismarck, ND
February 9, 2023 / 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (CT)
Location: TBD
April 13, 2023 / 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (CT)
Location: TBD
June 8, 2023 / 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (CT)
Pioneer Room, 1st Floor, Judicial Wing, State Capitol
August 10, 2023 / 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (CT)
Pioneer Room, 1st Floor, Judicial Wing, State Capitol
October 12, 2023 / 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (CT)
Pioneer Room, 1st Floor, Judicial Wing, State Capitol
December 8, 2023 / 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (CT)
Bismarck Hotel and Conference Center, Bismarck, ND
Reminder – Only complete applications received at least 45 days before a Water Commission meeting will be considered at that meeting. All other applications will be held for consideration at a future meeting unless specifically exempted by the Director.
For information, please contact Cheryl Fitzgerald at (701) 328-4940 or by e-mail.
Pre-Commission Meetings
All meetings will be held via phone, and begin at 1:00 p.m. CT.
Call-in information will be provided when agendas are posted.
September 15, 2022
November 10, 2022
January 12, 2023
March 16, 2023
May 11, 2023
July 13, 2023
September 14, 2023
November 9, 2023
For information, please contact Cheryl Fitzgerald at (701) 328-4940 or by e-mail.