MN HF2571

Expands drainage authority evaluation criteria to include "land use" and "multipurpose water management" alongside environmental considerations when establishing drainage projects.

Requires drainage authorities to investigate external funding sources and coordinate with soil and water conservation districts and watershed authorities before approving drainage project plans.

Adds requirements for engineers to evaluate alternative water management measures including water conservation, flood reduction, erosion control, and water quality protection when surveying proposed drainage projects.

Updates drainage project dismissal and approval standards to explicitly consider environmental, land use, and multipurpose water management criteria throughout the engineering review and approval process.

Adds wetlands protection to public interest considerations and restricts construction changes that would cause detrimental effects under the environmental, land use, and multipurpose water management criteria.