ND SB2276

Requires two or more water resource districts to create a joint water resource board before constructing projects or assessing lands that benefit or are located in more than one county

Mandates that joint boards consist of an equal number of members from each participating district, with member districts authorized to levy up to two mills in property taxes for joint board operations

Establishes a dispute resolution process requiring joint boards to use the North Dakota mediation service when members disagree, with mediation proposals due within 30 days of completion

Allows appeals to the Department of Water Resources within 30 days if mediation fails, with the department required to issue a determination within 60 days; further appeals may go to district court

Authorizes courts to award attorneys' fees and costs against water resource boards that fail to cooperate in good faith, and permits joint boards to seek writs of mandamus against county auditors who refuse to levy directed assessments