N.D. Cent. Code § 61-02-28
The commission may make plans, investigations, and surveys concerning the use of any and all waters, either within or without this state, for purposes of establishing, maintaining, operating, controlling, and regulating systems of irrigation, municipal, domestic, industrial, recreational, and fish and wildlife works and projects in connection therewith within the state. The commission shall have all necessary powers of purchasing, selling, leasing, and assigning in accordance with chapter 61-04, rights and interests in the use or in the appropriation of waters for which it has filed a declaration of intent pursuant to section 61-02-30, or obtained a conditional water permit for projects or works and shall possess full authority and jurisdiction to exercise and assert actual control over the corpus of all of such waters, and to regulate the diversion thereof subject to rules and methods prescribed by the commission. This power and authority shall include full right to contract and agree with any person, association, agency, or entity concerning water rights held by such person, association, agency, or entity through which the commission may be given full authority and jurisdiction over such water and water rights. In connection therewith the commission may coordinate, subordinate, supplement, and act jointly or subordinately with the United States, and any agency or department thereof, covering or concerning any federal project affecting water use, works, or projects in connection therewith.
N.D.C.C. § 61-02-28