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shall be provided by the appropriate state department or agency. 7. Required assurances of local cooperation and for meeting nonfederal repayment obligations of local interests in connection with federal-assisted local projects may, at the request of political subdivisions or other local interests be provided by the appropriate state department or agency, provided, if for any reason it is deemed necessary by any department or agency of the state to expend state funds in order to fulfill any obligation of a political subdivision or other local interests in connection with the construction, operation, or maintenance of any such project, the state shall have and may enforce a claim against the political subdivision or other local interests for such expenditures. The provisions of this chapter shall not be construed to in any manner limit, impair, or abrogate the rights, powers, duties, or functions of any department or agency of the state having jurisdiction or responsibilities in the field of water and related land resources conservation, development, or utilization. Source: S.L. 1965, ch. 445 ~~ 1,2. 61-32-01. Legislative policy and intent. It is the policy of the legislative assembly that water is one of North Dakota's most important natural resources, and the protection, development, and management of North Dakota's water resources is essential for the long-term public health, safety, general welfare, and economic security of North Dakota and its citizens. The legislative assembly finds that agriculture is the most important industry in North Dakota and that agricultural concerns must be accommodated in the protection of wetlands. Wetlands can be a hindrance to farming practices. Even though property taxes are generally paid on such lands, wetlands provide limited economic return to the landowner. Wetland pOlicies can obstruct water development and water management projects, and can affect other developments. The legislative assembly finds that the primary reason wetlands are considered important is because wetlands provide the habi tat base for the production and maintenance of waterfowl. The legislative assembly also finds that wetlands can moderate the water flow and have value as natural flood control mechanisms, can aid in water purification by trapping, filtering, and storing sediment and other pollutants and by recycling nutrients, and can serve as ground water recharge and discharge areas. Wetlands also function as nursery areas for numerous aquatic animal species and are habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal species, and provide vital habitat for resident -2-