MN HF1028

Hennepin County Board of Commissioners may petition the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources to discontinue the Hennepin Soil and Water Conservation District and transfer its duties to the county.

Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources has 60 days to review the petition and determine if discontinuance will achieve goals under section 103C.005, with a decision required at the first regular meeting after the review period.

Upon discontinuance, the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners assumes all duties and authorities of the district and may assign them to the county Department of Environmental Services or other departments; existing contracts remain in force with Hennepin County substituted as the party.

District assets must transfer to Hennepin County within 60 days of the discontinuance order, and Hennepin County gains eligibility for state grant funds designated for soil and water conservation districts.

The district may be reestablished by petition of the county board or by the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources if it determines conservation goals are not being met; discontinuance and reestablishment do not require a referendum.