IN HB1592

Legislative Description

Regulated drains and environmental concerns. Authorizes a county surveyor to classify a regulated drain as a drain in need of reconstruction if: (1) the functionality of the drain is compromised; and (2) the drain could, at a reasonable cost, be reconstructed to perform the function for which it was designed while also better serving the interests of public health or significantly reducing undesirable environmental effects, or while also providing flood reduction benefits. Authorizes a county surveyor to classify a regulated drain as a drain in need of periodic maintenance if the drain can be made: (1) to perform the function for which it was designed and constructed; (2) to properly drain affected land; and (3) to better serve the interest of public health, produce fewer undesirable environmental effects, or provide flood reduction benefits; through periodically cleaning, spraying, removing obstructions from, and making minor repairs, additions, or alterations to the regulated drain. Provides that the maintenance fund established for a regulated drain or combination of regulated drains may be used to: (1) better serve the interests of public health; (2) reduce undesirable environmental effects; (3) provide flood reduction benefits; (4) improve drainage control; or (5) provide drainage water storage infrastructure or technology associated with water that flows in or into a particular regulated drain or combination of regulated drains. Authorizes a county surveyor, when determining the best method of reconstructing a regulated drain or the best method of drainage for the area to which a petition to establish a new regulated drain relates, to consider cost effective drainage designs that limit undesirable environmental effects, improve public health, or provide flood reduction benefits.

Last Action

Committee Referrals