The Water Agency Reorganization Plan was part of the Omnibus Agriculture and Environment funding act of the 2001 Special Session. This provision directed the Office of Strategic and Long-Range Planning (Minnesota Planning) to develop and present to the Legislature a plan to reorganize state water programs and functions. The Water Resources Committee of the Environmental Quality Board directed development of the plan.

The Water Management Unification Initiative was intended to make Minnesota's water management more understandable and responsive to citizens by unifying state efforts within major river basins. The approach sought to improve accountability by directing administrative water priorities, policies and budgets toward measurable objectives. The initiative was to enhance the sustainability of Minnesota's water resources by identifying economic, environmental and community connections for responsible choices.

The 2000 Annual Hearing was conducted by the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board on December 2, 2000.

Notice of Hearing

Summary of Proceedings

2000 Report to the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board