Here’s an overview of how different states manage drainage districts, highlighting unique aspects and contrasting approaches among them:

Illinois

Management System: Illinois Drainage Code (70 ILCS 605)

• Organization: Drainage districts are established through the circuit court system and managed by elected or appointed drainage commissioners. These commissioners oversee operations, maintenance, and improvements of drainage infrastructure.

• Documentation: The Illinois Drainage Code does not require drainage districts to maintain detailed records of tile installations. It is expected to have the district boundaries mapped out. Records that exist may be stored with county clerks, commissioners, or private consultants.

• Compliance: Circuit courts maintain the legal records establishing the district, while ongoing district activities are managed locally under the supervision of commissioners.

• Funding: Drainage districts levy assessments on benefited properties to fund maintenance, improvements, and administrative costs.

• Permits: While the Drainage Code does not outline a formal permit system, drainage activities must comply with applicable state and federal regulations, including those related to wetlands, water resources, and environmental impacts.

Iowa

Management System: Iowa Code Chapter 468 outlines the establishment and governance of drainage and levee districts.

• Organization: Drainage districts in Iowa are managed by county boards of supervisors or joint boards when districts span multiple counties. Commissioners may also be appointed for specific projects or maintenance.

• Documentation: The law requires detailed records, including maps, plans, and financial reports. These documents are often maintained by the county auditor's office.

• Funding: Funded through assessments on properties benefiting from drainage improvements, as determined by the district's board.

• Permits: Local boards handle routine drainage matters, but larger projects may require state or federal permits to ensure compliance with water resource and environmental regulations.

Missouri

• Management System: Missouri Revised Statutes, Chapter 242, provides the legal framework for the formation, organization, and operation of drainage districts.

• Organization:

  • Drainage districts are governed by a board of supervisors elected by landowners within the district.

  • The board oversees maintenance, improvements, and financial administration of the district.

• Documentation:

  • Boards must maintain records of district activities, financial transactions, and assessments.

  • These records are typically filed with the county clerk's office for public access.

• Funding:

  • Districts are funded through assessments levied on properties within the district that benefit from drainage improvements.

  • Bonds may also be issued for large infrastructure projects.

• Permits:

  • While the statutes do not establish a specific permitting system, districts must comply with applicable state and federal regulations regarding water resources, wetlands, and environmental standards.

North Dakota

Management System: North Dakota Century Code, Chapter 61-21

• Organization: Managed by county water resource districts.

• Documentation: Detailed reporting and public access to records are mandated.

• Permits: State permits required for significant drainage projects to ensure compliance with water resource management policies.

Indiana

Management System: Indiana Drainage Code, Indiana Code Title 36, Article 9

• Organization: Drainage boards at the county level manage the districts.

• Documentation: Maintenance of detailed records and maps by county surveyors.

• Funding: Funded through assessments on benefited properties.

Ohio

Management System: Ohio Revised Code, Title 61

• Organization: Managed by county engineers and boards of county commissioners.

• Documentation: Comprehensive documentation and public records are required.

• Funding: Funded through property assessments and grants.

Minnesota

Management System: Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 103E

• Organization: Managed by local watershed districts and drainage authorities.

• Documentation: Requires detailed plans, maps, and annual financial reports.

• Permits: State permits required for new drainage systems, overseen by the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources.

Arkansas

Management System: Arkansas Code, Title 14, Chapter 120

• Organization: Managed by county boards of drainage commissioners.

• Documentation: Requires detailed records of projects, maintenance, and financial transactions.

• Permits: Local permits required for construction and maintenance activities.

Wisconsin

Management System: Wisconsin Statutes, Chapter 88

• Organization: Managed by county drainage boards.

• Documentation: Detailed record-keeping and annual reports are mandatory.

• Permits: Permits required for construction and significant maintenance, overseen by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Michigan

Management System: Michigan Drain Code, Act 40 of 1956

• Organization: Managed by county drain commissioners.

• Documentation: Comprehensive documentation and public access to records.

• Funding: Funded through assessments on properties within the drainage districts.

California

Management System: California Water Code, Division 5

• Organization: Managed by local reclamation districts.

• Documentation: Requires detailed records and annual reports.

• Permits: State oversight for significant projects, with local permits required for smaller activities.