N.D. Cent. Code § 61-16.1-37: Commission, department of water resources, and water resource board shall encourage both structural and nonstructural alternatives

The commission, department of water resources, and the appropriate water resource board shall encourage both structural and nonstructural solutions to water management problems within the district by federal and state agencies, private individuals, and other persons, and shall lend their assistance to facilitate appropriate solutions. All structural alternatives, including dams, dikes, drains, and other works, whether constructed by public authorities or private persons, are subject to all the provisions of this chapter unless specifically exempted.