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Watershed districts vs. cities

Published (3/16/2012)
By Nick Busse
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Watershed districts might soon have to seek local approval before acquiring real estate — at least in one county.

Rep. Joyce Peppin (R-Rogers) sponsors HF2589 that would forbid watershed districts from buying land unless the local city or township adopts a resolution in support. The change would only impact watershed districts in Hennepin County, although Peppin said she is open to expanding the bill’s reach statewide.

The House Government Operations and Elections Committee approved the bill March 9 and referred it to the House Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Policy and Finance Committee. A companion, SF2370 sponsored by Sen. Warren Limmer (R-Maple Grove), awaits action by the Senate Local Government and Elections Committee.

Jerry Hertaus, Greenfield mayor, said that when watershed districts purchase land, it can impact cities’ comprehensive land use plans as well as their local tax base. He said there is concern that some local watershed management organizations, whose boards are city-appointed, will be dissolved and taken over by watershed management districts, whose board members are appointed by counties and who have their own special taxing powers.

Derek Asche, water resource manager for the City of Plymouth, said cities want to make sure their plans are in sync with the watershed management plans.

“This is about the ability of cities and watershed districts to work together to achieve mutual goals,” he said.

Opponents argue the bill is unnecessary and potentially counterproductive. Joel Carlson, representing the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District, said watersheds need to be managed across political boundaries. He said requiring local approval for all land purchases might result in individual cities being able to hold up important water management projects.

Eric Evenson, the district’s administrator, said the watershed management plan they administer is already coordinated with the local municipal governments and is subject to an open and public process.

“I’ve been with the watershed district now for well over 14 years, and I don’t know of any problems that we’ve had. We typically work very closely with our communities,” he said.

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