The Current A Newsletter from the Department of Water Resources - June 2023 - Issue II

With the conclusion of the 68th Legislative Assembly, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) is preparing to implement legislative initiatives and the budget for the 2023-2025 biennium. The overall budget for the biennium includes significant funding for water infrastructure projects across the state. The importance of permanent flood protection, regional and rural water supply projects, and municipal water supply and water treatment plants were recognized by the Assembly. Furthermore, intent language was included for long-term funding for large water projects for future biennia and to support putting Missouri River water to beneficial use in the state. DWR appreciates the continued support in managing the state's water resources.

Over the next two years, the optional packages for operations will be executed to provide for efficiencies and to modernize the Department through resources that include new team members, groundwater modeling software, equipment upgrades, and more real-time data collection through the PRESENS (Pushing REmote SENSors) systems. The focus will be to continue to build upon process improvements and further our knowledge of the water systems across North Dakota.

Also in the interim, DWR will continue collaborative efforts at the local, regional, state, tribal, national, and international levels. Discussions related to water management at a watershed level and identifying opportunities for aquifer recharge and storage will be a priority. Permitting reform and states’ water rights will remain a focus to ensure projects can be developed in a timely manner and to ensure North Dakota is at the table for national and international discussions that could impact the use of water in North Dakota. Recently DWR was in Washington, DC to give testimony on issues involving North Dakota.

On May 16th, I was invited to testify before the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment for the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The purpose of the hearing was “The Next Fifty Years of the Clean Water Act: Examining the Law and Infrastructure Completion.” I was there to provide North Dakota’s perspective related to the impacts changes in Waters of the US (WOTUS) definitions have on permitting requirements, timelines, and uncertainties related to project developments across the state. The link can be found here.

In addition, DWR was invited by Senator Cramer to testify before the subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure for the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works for the hearing “To Examine Perspectives on New and Existing US Army Corps of Engineers’ Authorities to Respond to Water Management Issues Including Drought and Water Conservation.” I provided testimony related to the Snake Creek Embankment Project and discussed the importance of the Army Corps to consider all authorized purposes when reviewing options for fixing and managing the project moving forward. The Department is adamant that a structural fix is the only solution that ensures the use of the project for reliable water supply for irrigation and municipal, rural, and industrial water supplies for the future to meet promises by the federal government when the project was built in the 1960s.

Also at the Senate Hearing was Assistant Attorney General (AG), Jen Verleger, who provided testimony related to the ongoing concern of water storage contracts and water surplus associated with Lake Sakakawea management and other reservoirs across the country.

She further discussed the new committee that includes AG and Governor appointees associated with Western States to provide a mechanism for collaborative efforts for states with the Army Corps on important water management issues and decisions. The link can be found here.

DWR appreciates being able to provide North Dakota’s perspective on water management issues at the national level that can assist with future federal legislative initiatives.

As summer begins, DWR team members will be in the field and working to meet the mission and vision of the Department. DWR will be presenting at conferences, attending summer water tours, meeting with project sponsors, and providing guidance and decisions related to regulatory responsibilities. DWR is also planning for the 2025-2027 biennium. If you have any questions, concerns, or ideas related to water management and operations, don’t hesitate to reach out. Have a great summer, get out and enjoy some time on the water.

ND Department of Water Resources Receives $892 Million Biennial Appropriation

BISMARCK - Senate Bill (SB) 2020 was signed by ND Governor Doug Burgum providing the North Dakota Department of Water Resources (DWR) with a 2023-2025 biennial appropriation of $892 million. DWR’s budget is almost entirely supported by North Dakota’s Resources Trust Fund, which is funded from 20.5 percent of the state’s oil extraction tax.

Included in this budget are dollars for regional, rural and municipal water supply projects, flood control efforts and general water management, among others.

“This historic investment in water supplies, flood control and water management will support community growth and resiliency, enable economic expansion and provide tangible benefits to North Dakotans across our state for generations to come,” Governor Doug Burgum said. “We’re deeply grateful for the work by the Legislature, DWR, State Water Commission, regional and local water managers and other stakeholders who highlighted the needs and helped to move this critical infrastructure funding across the finish line.”

SB 2020 provides:

• $316 million for water supply grants. That includes $180 million for the Red River Valley Water Supply Project, up to $50 million for the Bismarck Water Treatment Plant and funding for other regional and municipal projects.
• $52 million for rural water supplies.
• $116 million for flood control projects. That includes $76.1 million for the Mouse River Enhanced Flood Protection Project, as well as additional flood protection and water conveyance projects around the state.
• $12 million for general water management, including various studies, dam repairs and irrigation.
• $80 million plus an additional $50 million line of credit for SWPP.
• $36 million plus an additional $50 million line of credit for NAWS.
• $2 million for the Devils Lake outlets and other state-owned capital assets.

“The passage of Senate Bill 2020 will provide local water managers and the agency with tremendous opportunities to develop and manage North Dakota’s water resources,” DWR Director Andrea Travnicek said. “This budget will help improve North Dakota’s resiliency to floods and droughts. It supports beneficial use of our most abundant water supply, the Missouri River. And, it allows us to work smarter and more efficiently in support of our team. As a result, North Dakotans will experience the benefits of this legislation for decades.”

In terms of staffing and professional development, SB 2020 provides $773,062 for three additional full-time team members. Additional staff will reduce delays so constituents receive permits and water appropriations in a timelier manner. There was also $80,000 included for professional development to support mentoring and training of water appropriation staff.

With regard to technology and innovation, Information Technology (IT) standardization applications and security were addressed with $5.6 million. These dollars will help to consolidate and standardize IT services under one umbrella and to support ongoing costs for services and management. The budget also includes $750,000 to expand airborne electromagnetic surveys and $95,000 for groundwater modeling and hydrologic software to identify additional opportunities for water appropriation – particularly ground water.

DWR will receive $1.6 million to expand the use of PRESENS (Pushing REmote SENSors). PRESENS delivers real-time environmental data from sensors located in remote locations to publicly accessible databases at DWR. These units improve forecasting, modeling and overall water management at a fraction of the cost of traditional data collection methods.

The original radar system in Bowman that was using 1970s technology will be replaced for $1.8 million and DWR will replace a 15-year-old drilling rig, also for $1.8 million.

The complete bill can be found here. For more information about DWR, please visit www.dwr.nd.gov.

Evan recently joined the agency as an equipment operator in the Water Appropriation Division. He will drive a water truck, mix grout, and assist the driller as needed. He’s looking forward to meeting and working with new people.

Evan was born in North Dakota but grew up mostly in Memphis, TN. He moved back to Bismarck to be closer to his family and graduated high school there. He comes from a long line of farmers and ranchers, and his family owns a farm south of Bismarck.

He worked his way up the ladder during his time in the oil industry. He started laying pipe, then moved to the oil rigs where he was a floor hand, motor hand, and eventually a derrick hand. The derrick hand keeps pits full of the correct water/soil mixture, loads drill pipe on the catwalk, and helps manage a crew. Before leaving the oil industry, Evan was training to become a driller.

Evan is a single father to his eight-year-old son, Bryden. Evan is very happy to have a more traditional work schedule, so he can spend more time with his family.

Sam recently joined the agency as a hydrologist in the Appropriation Division. He helps applicants obtain permits for beneficial use of water and manages waters to ensure that rights of prior appropriators are not unduly affected. Sam is looking forward to working with a team to ensure that water is used in the best public interest. He enjoys interacting with the public and helping people who have problems that we can solve.

Sam grew up in northeastern Minnesota on the Iron Range and graduated high school in Virginia, MN. He earned a conservation degree with a minor in agricultural engineering from the University of Wisconsin - River Falls.

Before DWR, Sam worked with the North Dakota Department of Transportation as an engineer tech and surveyor. He also worked for the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality in the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System program.

Sam and his wife Taylor have a grumpy cocker spaniel named Hunter and spend a lot of their free time gardening, hunting, and fishing. Sam likes to cook and enjoys finishing projects on his house, garage, and vehicles.

Shana recently joined the agency as executive assistant to the DWR director and state engineer. She provides executive-level administrative duties to facilitate operations of the director, state engineer, and State Water Commission.

Shana grew up in Beulah, ND and graduated from Beulah High School. She earned her associate of applied science degree in human resources management from Minnesota State Community and Technical College - Moorhead.

Shana has 16 years of experience working in various administrative roles. Most recently she worked remotely for a software company as their HR manager. She developed and implemented policies, administered benefits, and processed payroll. Prior to that, she was the Mercer County auditor serving as the chief financial officer, HR director, election official, and secretary to the County Commission.

Shana and her husband Eric have three kids: Tryce (14), Brynlee (12), and Bensyn (9). She keeps very busy during the school year cheering on the kids at all their sporting events. They are active in football, basketball, volleyball, dance, and golf. Shana loves to tend to her flowers, run, hike, and spends her summers out on Lake Sakakawea with her family camping, boating, and fishing.

Yaping recently joined the agency as a water resource engineer in the Water Development Division. She will work on the Devils Lake outlets for flood mitigation and downstream water quality control purposes. She’ll also perform hydraulic analyses for water related projects. She will work mainly out of the DWR office in Fargo but will work in the Bismarck office for a couple of days every month.

Yaping is looking forward to working with a team to prepare engineering and feasibility reports and designs for water resource projects, and to provide technical assistance to water resource district boards.

Yaping grew up in Zhejiang Province, a coastal city on the east side of China. She earned her bachelor's degree in China and her master’s degree in civil engineering from NDSU. She worked previously at Moore Engineering in West Fargo.

Yaping and her husband Jun have a daughter and son: Evelyn (11) and Leo (8). They spend a lot of time fishing and gardening in the summer and skiing in the winter. Yaping enjoys cooking and baking in her free time.

Burgum Signs Bill Making Tribal Nations Eligible to Enter into Cost-Share Agreements with State Water Commission

Gov. Burgum signed House Bill 1385, allowing the SWC to enter into agreements with federally recognized tribal nations, making them eligible sponsors under the DWR Cost-Share Program.

The Cost-Share Program provides state funding for water development projects, including water supplies, flood protection, and other general water management efforts.

Before the unanimous passage of HB 1385, North Dakota Century Code only allowed the SWC to enter into cost-share agreements with North Dakota political subdivisions, the federal government, other state political subdivisions and Canadian provinces. Tribal nations were not identified as an eligible partner for funding assistance.

“Providing tribal nations with the opportunity to work directly with the SWC on cost-share requests will better meet the needs of both tribal and non-tribal residents and ensure that all North Dakota citizens and communities have similar access to state resources that support local investments in critical water infrastructure,” Burgum, who chairs the SWC, said after signing the bill. “We’re grateful to the Legislature, our Department of Water Resources team and tribal leaders for their collaboration on this breakthrough legislation.”

In recent years, the SWC and DWR have seen cost-share requests submitted by Rolette County – which is a statutorily eligible partner – working cooperatively with the Turtle Mountain Public Utilities Commission (TMPUC). Through a memorandum of understanding, these two entities have been able to provide improved water quality and quantity supplies to both tribal and non-tribal North Dakota residents living within the boundaries of the Turtle Mountain Reservation. With the passage of HB 1385, federally recognized tribal nations, agencies or departments thereof, such as the TMPUC, may cooperate directly with the SWC and DWR.

“The need for critical water infrastructure exists within the boundaries of North Dakota reservations, just as that same need exists outside of tribal boundaries,” DWR director Andrea Travnicek said. “This is an incredibly important step toward providing more of North Dakota’s citizens with quality water supplies and improved resiliency to the negative effects of both flooding and drought.”

The bill was introduced by Rep. Jon Nelson and co-sponsored by Reps. Jayme Davis, Clayton Fegley, Lisa Finley-DeVille and Dennis Johnson, and Sens. Michael Dwyer, Jordan Kannianen, Donald Schaible and Ronald Sorvaag.

Take Your Kid to Work Day

April 27 was Take Your Kid to Work Day! The DWR teamed up with the Bank of North Dakota and Department of Financial Institutions for this fun event.

DWR taught the kids about the water cycle and water properties with hands on activities. The kids also got to run their own business by selling candy, popcorn, and beverages for (pretend) million-dollar bills. All the staff in the building appreciated the treats and the energy the children brought to the office.

Congratulations Jeffrey Mattern On Your Upcoming Retirement!