Bill > SB2118

This bill amends North Dakota's existing law regarding stream crossing calculations and appeals, specifically addressing how highway crossings over watercourses are reviewed and designed. The bill allows landowners or county/township boards to petition the department of water resources to review a stream crossing's discharge design if they are aggrieved by its placement. Under the new provisions, such a review must be requested by a majority of affected landowners or by a relevant government board. During the review, the department of water resources will determine the appropriate design discharge for the crossing based on standards they have established. The bill adds a requirement that the department must notify the petitioning party and the road authority of the review's results. Importantly, the bill clarifies that road authorities (department, county, and township) are not liable for water-related damage if the crossing was constructed according to the established stream crossing standards. The changes aim to provide a more structured process for challenging and reviewing highway stream crossings, giving affected parties a clearer mechanism to address potential design concerns.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Energy and Natural Resources (S)

https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/bill-overview/bo2118.html