85-20-1008: Economic development plan.

(1) The DNRC is directed to facilitate development of an economic development plan focused on future use of water and currently irrigated land, including but not limited to use of water and irrigated land for irrigation, industrial, recreational, fisheries, and habitat purposes in the Milk River basin.

(2) The Milk River regional feasibility study examines alternative measures for mitigation of impacts of development of the tribal water right for the purpose of determining feasibility and environmental impact. The purpose of the economic development plan is to supplement the federal studies and provide information to assist in choosing mitigation measures by examining the long-term economic potential of water use in the Milk River basin.

(3) At a minimum, the DNRC shall include irrigation districts, individual irrigators, conservation districts, county governments, and municipalities in the development of the economic development plan.