The North Dakota State Water Commission (now Department of Water Resources) was created by legislative action in 1937 as a result of the drought of the 1930s, for the specific purpose of fostering and promoting water resource development throughout the state.
Today, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) continues to be actively involved in water development projects through the implementation of a cost-share assistance program. The DWR’s cost-share program provides the agency with a mechanism to partner with local project sponsors to fund flood control, water supply, irrigation, and other general water management projects. DWR is also a partner in administering the federal Municipal, Rural and Industrial (MR&I) Water Supply Program.
In addition, DWR sponsors and develops projects, such as the Southwest Pipeline Project, the Northwest Area Water Supply, and the Devils Lake Outlets, as examples.