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Committee adds West Fargo voting seat to Lake Agassiz Water Authority board
Summary
House Bill 1162 would change the Lake Agassiz Water Authority board to make West Fargo's mayor a full voting member. Proponents said the change reflects West Fargo's growth and regional ties to the Red River Valley Water Supply Project; the committee approved the bill 11‑0 (2 absent).
House Bill 1162 would amend the North Dakota Century Code provision governing the Lake Agassiz Water Authority (LAWA) board of directors to convert West Fargo's mayor from an associate (non‑voting) position to a full voting director. Representative Austin Shower (District 13, West Fargo) introduced the measure and said it reflects West Fargo's population growth and increasing stake in regional water decisions.
"House Bill 1162 seeks to recognize the remarkable growth of West Fargo and ensure its representation on the Lake Agassiz Water Authority, LAWA board of directors," Representative Shower said. He argued the city now has a larger footprint and greater reliance on decisions made by the LAWA board related to water supply and infrastructure.
Terry Efforts (testifying on behalf of LAWA and Garrison Diversion) and Mary Meridian of Garrison Diversion also testified in favor, saying LAWA and Garrison Diversion support the change. Meridian noted the agencies are jointly working on the Red River Valley Water Supply Project, which she said is under construction and aims to deliver water by 2032.
Proponents noted that the board already includes other nearby cities such as Moorhead, Minnesota, and argued West Fargo's growth justified equal representation. No testimony in opposition was recorded in committee.
Representative Hager moved that the committee recommend "do pass" on House Bill 1162; the motion was seconded by Representative Jonas. The roll call showed 11 yeas, 0 nays, 2 absent. The committee appointed a floor carrier and the bill will proceed for further legislative consideration.
Votes at a glance
- House Bill 1162 — Motion: "Do pass" (moved by Representative Hager; seconded by Representative Jonas). Committee recommendation: do pass approved; tally 11 yes, 0 no, 2 absent.
Why it matters: The change would give West Fargo, whose elected mayor currently serves only as an associate member, a vote on LAWA board decisions affecting the Red River Valley Water Supply Project and regional water policy.
What’s next: With the committee's "do pass" recommendation, the bill advances to the next stage of the legislative process.
