N.D. Cent. Code § 61-02-30
In acquiring the rights and administering the terms of this chapter, the commission may initiate a right to waters of this state by executing a declaration in writing of the intention to store, divert, or control the unappropriated waters of a particular body, stream, basin, or source, designating and describing in general terms the waters claimed, means of appropriation, and location of proposed use, and shall cause the declaration to be filed in the department of water resources. The department shall issue a conditional water permit to the commission consistent with the terms of the declaration of intention, which vests in the commission on the date of the filing of the declaration. The commission also shall file in the department copies of the commission's plans and specifications involved in completing any project for the appropriation of water which the commission intends to construct. Except as provided by this section, water rights must be acquired by any person, association, firm, corporation, limited liability company, municipality, or state or federal agency, department, or political subdivision in the manner provided by chapter 61-04.
N.D.C.C. § 61-02-30