57-51.1-07.1. Resources trust fund - Procedure for review of applications for financial assistance for water-related projects

57-51.1-07.1. Resources trust fund - Procedure for review of applications for financial assistance for water-related projects. 1. A political subdivision or rural water system seeking loans, grants, or other financial assistance by legislative appropriation from the resources trust fund for a water-related project or study must submit the proposed water-related project or study to the state water commission for review. The commission may require the political subdivision or rural water system to supply information as it considers necessary to review the request. After consideration and review of the proposed water-related project or study, the state water commission may conduct or it may require the project sponsor to conduct a preliminary study for the proposed project or study. The preliminary study must be conducted in accordance with criteria established pursuant to subsection 3. 2. Every legislative bill appropriating moneys from the resources trust fund pursuant to subsection 1 must be accompanied by a state water commission report, which must include: a. A summary of the engineering feasibility study of the proposed water project. b. Statements concerning the proposed water project as it relates to the comprehensive state water plan of the state water commission. c. The need for the proposed water project, including any alternative projects which would satisfy such need. d. The availability of other sources of funding or financial assistance for such water project. e. A recommendation as to whether or not the proposed water project should receive financial assistance through legislative appropriation from the resources trust fund. f. Other items as deemed necessary or appropriate by the state water commission. 3. The state water commission shall adopt rules for governing the review and recommendation of proposed water projects for which financial assistance by legislative appropriation from the resources trust fund is being sought under this section. The rules must consider project revenues, local cost sharing, and ability to pay. The rules may provide for repayment of a portion of funds allocated from the resources trust fund.