MN HF1244

Removes the $200,000 limit on loans for individual projects while maintaining a $200,000 cap on total outstanding loan balances per borrower under the local water management loan program.

Allows drainage authorities to establish permanent vegetated buffer strips (16-1/2 feet wide) adjacent to public drainage ditches without requiring traditional viewers appointment and redetermination procedures, with rights-of-way acquired by the authority.

Enables drainage authorities to apportion repair costs based on relative runoff and sediment delivery from properties using geographic information system technology, as an alternative to traditional benefit-damage assessments.

Requires drainage authorities to hold hearings on runoff and sediment-based cost apportionment reports within 30 days, with at least 20 days' notice to affected property owners, political subdivisions, and utilities.

Authorizes property owners to request updates to apportionment reports if land use changes, and establishes appeal rights for property owners challenging cost apportionment findings; the runoff and sediment option expires July 31, 2024.