N.D. Cent. Code § 61-02-23.3
The state water commission may do all things reasonably necessary to construct an outlet from Devils Lake, including executing an agreement with the federal government in which the state water commission agrees to hold the United States harmless and free from damages, except for damages due to the fault or negligence of the United States or its contractors. The director of the department of water resources may employ full-time personnel and other personnel as necessary for the operation and maintenance of the Devils Lake outlet within the limits of legislative appropriations for that purpose. Notwithstanding section 61-02-64.1, funds disbursed from the contract fund and appropriated for the purposes of this section may be used for salaries, equipment, operations, and maintenance costs relating to the Devils Lake outlet.
N.D.C.C. § 61-02-23.3