For benefit of areas of the state not included within one or more water development districts, the Board of Water and Natural Resources, in performing its statewide water planning function pursuant to subdivision 46A-2-2(8), shall provide adequate opportunity for expression of the preferences of local people through public hearings. In establishing the statewide water plan and in allocation of funds available to the district, the board may grant no preference to an entity because of its location within a water development district.
SDCL 46A-2-38