Page 181 - MFB State Annual Meeting 2018 -- RESOLUTIONS BOOK

32 Drain Code:
The authority for administering the Drain Code be maintained within the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the office of the drain/water resource commissioner at the local level.
If existing road ditches are to be moved at the request of the county/County Road Commission, the additional cost should be the responsibility of the county/County Road Commission's project. Current exemptions for drain maintenance within state statute are appropriate and should be maintained.
Revisions to the Drain Code that benefit agriculture
45 are necessary to address the following concerns. We
46 support:
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Elimination of the current exemption providing for non-elected drain/water resource commissioners within the current Drain Code.
The county drain/water resource commissioner being responsible for removing blockage of a natural watercourse if it affects the drainage of a county drain.
All land in a drainage district being assessed according to benefits derived, including public lands. Requiring performance bonds on work done on intercounty drains where project construction costs exceed $100,000.
Clarification that no drainage district should be extended or established for the purpose of removing sediment from man-made reservoirs on rivers or drains.
The drain/water resource commissioner directing the deployment of drain sediments, both organic and inorganic, to adjacent land as required to minimize sediment return to the drain.
The use of current technology.
For all new construction, a description of the work to be performed shall be provided to owners of property abutting the drain at least 10 days prior to the start of construction to ensure appropriate planning for the handling of increased storm water due to development. Alternatives to storm water retention ponds should be considered.
We oppose:
Changes to rules developed under the Inland Lakes
and Streams Act that result in increased regulatory burdens to farmers, drain/water resource commissioners, and road commissioners.
Any additional mandatory requirements for engineering or planning on established county drains.
State Policies – Page 95