FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kellyn Harrison, Press Secretary
Kellyn.Harrison@iga.in.gov
317-232-9498
STATEHOUSE (Nov. 22, 2022) — State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) served on the Drainage Task Force Monday, Nov. 21, at the Indiana Statehouse to discuss the regulation of drainage laws and how they affect the agriculture community.
"I have visited and heard from many constituents in our district who share concerns regarding the state's current drainage laws," Raatz said. "This is why I appreciated hearing from agriculture leaders and the public on the impact of our state's current drainage laws so future legislation can be considered and crafted for the benefit of Hoosiers in rural communities."
The Drainage Task Force was created by Senate Enrolled Act 85, authored by Raatz, during the 2022 legislative session. The task force is responsible for reviewing drainage laws, making determinations and recommendations concerning drainage and regulatory matters, and determining whether the balance between state and local authority over agricultural land drainage favors state authority more in Indiana than in neighboring states.
The task force consists of 19 members including six members of the Indiana Senate, six members of the Indiana House of Representatives and seven governor-appointed individuals.
Governor-appointed individuals include an employee of the Department of Environmental Management, an employee of the Department of Natural Resources, a member of a county drainage board, a member of the governing body of a soil and water conservation district, a representative of the Indiana chapter of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, a representative of a statewide farm organization and a county surveyor.
Speakers included Indiana Farm Bureau Expert Jeff Cummins, Steve Slonaker from Slonaker Farm Management and members of the public.
The task force expects to meet again sometime in December to continue the discussion on the regulation of drainage laws.
State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond, right) serves on the Drainage Task Force Monday, Nov. 21, at the Statehouse.
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Click here for a high-resolution photo of Raatz.
