N.D. Cent. Code § 61-16.1-17
When a water resource board receives a petition or approves a motion to construct a project with funds raised through the collection of special assessments, the water resource board shall examine the proposed project. If the water resource board decides further proceedings are warranted, the board shall adopt a resolution declaring constructing and maintaining the proposed project is necessary, identifying the nature and purpose of the proposed project, and designating a registered engineer to assist the board. As soon as practicable, the board shall publish the resolution in the newspaper of general circulation in each area in which lands that reasonably may be condemned or subject to assessment for the project are located. For the purpose of making examinations or surveys, the board or the board's agents, after written notice to each landowner at the landowner's address as shown by the tax rolls of the county in which the affected property is located, may enter upon any land on which the proposed project is located or any other lands necessary to gain access. The engineer shall prepare profiles, plans, specifications, and total estimated costs of the proposed project. The estimate of costs prepared by the engineer must include the cost to acquire rights of way and be sufficiently detailed for the board to determine the probable share of the total costs to be assessed against each of the affected landowners in the proposed project assessment district.
N.D.C.C. § 61-16.1-17