Crosscurrents focuses on how the state's water management system can be changed to meet the Legislature's goals and outcomes. It reports recent improvements by agencies and special purpose districts, barriers to achieving further improvements and options for change. It notes that the current system of advocacy agencies gives all interest groups a voice in decision-making and is generally preferred by citizens.
Crosscurrents' options for change build on Minnesota's current management structure. For state agencies, options include developing a multi-year plan to merge regional offices, integrating financial assistance programs and identifying additional permitting decisions that can be handled through simplified means. Investments in technology could yield major improvements throughout the management system, as could a more full integration of sustainable development principles into Minnesota's efforts.
Crosscurrents was prepared for the Environmental Quality Board in partial fulfillment of 1995 Minnesota Laws, Chapter 248, Article 5 using funding provided through 1996 Minnesota Laws, chapter 407.