S. F. No. 956 (First Engrossment) terminates the Hennepin County Soil and Water Conservation District and provides for the transfer of the Districts’ duties and obligations.

Section 1, subdivision 1.  The Hennepin County Soil and Water Conservation District is terminated effective December 31, 2011.

Subdivision 2.  The powers and duties of the district regarding the Wetland Conservation Act are transferred to Hennepin County effective January 1, 2012.

Subdivision 2a.  Hennepin County is deemed to be a soil and water conservation district for purposes of grants from the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR).

Subdivision 3.  Starting on July 1, 2011, the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) must facilitate the preparation of a plan to continue the administration of the remaining powers, duties, and responsibilities of the district.

Subdivision 4.  Once the continuation plan is completed, and no later than September 1, 2011, BWSR must certify the termination to the district board.

Subdivision 5.  When the district board receives the certification of termination, the board must promptly terminate the affairs of the district.  The board must file an application with the secretary of state to discontinue the district within 60 days of the receipt of the certification.

Subdivision 6.  The secretary of state must issue to the district board a certificate of dissolution and record the certificate in the secretary of state’s office.

Subdivision 7.  Once the certificate of dissolution is issued, any ordinances and regulations adopted by the district have no further force and effect.  All contracts with the district or district board remain in force and effect except BWSR must be substituted for the district or district board as a party to the contract.  BWSR may delegate the district’s rights and duties to a local government unit.

Section 2.  The bill is effective the day after local approval by Hennepin County.

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