North Dakota § 6-09-49.2 - Water infrastructure revolving loan fund - State water commission Continuing appropriation

§ 6-09-49.2. Water infrastructure revolving loan fund - State water commission Continuing appropriation

1. There is created in the state treasury the water infrastructure revolving loan fund to provide loans for water supply, flood protection, or other water development and water management projects. The fund consists of moneys transferred into the fund, interest earned on moneys in the fund, and principal and interest payments to the fund. All moneys in the fund are appropriated to the Bank of North Dakota on a continuing basis for loan disbursements and administrative costs. 2. The state water commission shall approve eligible projects for loans from the water infrastructure loan fund. The state water commission shall consider the following when evaluating eligible projects: a. A description of the nature and purposes of the proposed infrastructure project, including an explanation of the need for the project, the reasons why the project is in the public interest, and the overall economic impact of the project. b. The estimated cost of the project, the amount of loan funding requested, and other proposed sources of funding. c. The extent to which completion of the project will provide a benefit to the state or regions within the state. 3. Projects not eligible for the state revolving funds under chapters 61-28.1 and 61-28.2 must be given priority for loans from the water infrastructure revolving loan fund. 4. In consultation with the state water commission, the Bank of North Dakota shall develop policies for the review and approval of loans under this section. Loans made under this section must be made at the same interest rate as the revolving loan funds established under chapters 61-28.1 and 61-28.2. 5. The Bank of North Dakota shall manage and administer loans from the water infrastructure loan fund. The Bank shall deposit in the fund all principal and interest paid on loans made from the fund. Annually, the Bank may deduct one-half of one percent of the outstanding loan balance as a service fee for administering the water infrastructure revolving loan fund. The fund must be audited annually pursuant to section 6-09-29, and the cost of the audit must be paid from the fund.