Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Lawmakers hear competing views on bill to require downstream notice, mediation for small drainage projects
Summary
Senate Agriculture committee heard hours of testimony for and against Senate Bill 2283, which would require downstream notice and an optional mediation step for subsurface drainage projects under 80 acres; proponents said notice and mediation would prevent lawsuits, opponents said it would add delay and cost.
The Senate Agriculture and Veterans Affairs Committee heard extended testimony on Senate Bill 2283, a proposal to require owners of subsurface water‑management projects on parcels smaller than 80 acres to notify downstream landowners and engage in a mediation process if objections are raised.
The bill would add a downstream‑notification step and a mediation window to the existing water‑board notice for under‑80‑acre projects. Proponents said the change would give downstream landowners a chance to resolve disputes before costly litigation; opponents said it duplicates existing remedies, imposes delays and could be used tactically to block projects.
What the bill would do (sponsor/advocate summary)
Sam Wagner of Dakota Resource Council explained the sponsors’ approach: landowners would still notify the local water board, but would also send letters to downstream owners and allow a 30‑day comment window; if objections…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
