N.D. Cent. Code § 61-24.3-12
The commission shall obtain the assistance necessary for the operation and maintenance of the southwest pipeline project. To that end, it may appoint a manager, and may appoint subordinate officers and employees. It may designate the manager its general agent in respect to the operation and maintenance of the southwest pipeline project, but subject, nevertheless, in such agency, to the supervision, limitation, and control of the commission. It may appoint or employ such contractors, engineers, attorneys, and other experts, agents, and servants as in the judgment of the commission the interests of the state may require, and shall define the duties, designate the titles, and fix the compensation, within legislative appropriation, and the bonds of all such persons so engaged. Subject to the control and regulation of the commission the manager of the southwest pipeline project may appoint and employ such deputies and other subordinates, and such contractors, engineers, attorneys, and other experts, agents, and servants as the manager shall deem required. The total compensation of such appointees and employees, together with other expenditures for the operation and maintenance of the southwest pipeline project, shall remain within the appropriation and earnings lawfully available in each year for such purpose.
N.D.C.C. § 61-24.3-12