<a id="pl.1.3"></a><var>1.3</var>Statutes 2008, sections 103B.101, by adding a subdivision; 103E.065; 103E.227; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.4"></a><var>1.4</var>103E.401, subdivision 3; 103E.505, subdivision 3; 103E.611, subdivision 1; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.5"></a><var>1.5</var>103E.735, subdivision 1; 103E.805; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota <br/>
<a id="pl.1.6"></a><var>1.6</var>Statutes, chapter 103E.<br/>
<a id="pl.1.7"></a><var>1.7</var>BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.1.0"></a><a id="pl.1.8"></a><var>1.8</var>    Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 103B.101, is amended by adding a <br/>
<a id="pl.1.9"></a><var>1.9</var>subdivision to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.1.10"></a><var>1.10</var>    Subd. 13. <b>Drainage stakeholder coordination.</b> The Board of Water and Soil <br/>
<a id="pl.1.11"></a><var>1.11</var>Resources shall work with drainage stakeholders to foster mutual understanding <br/>
<a id="pl.1.12"></a><var>1.12</var>and provide recommendations for drainage system management and related water <br/>
<a id="pl.1.13"></a><var>1.13</var>management, including recommendations for updating the drainage law in chapter 103E <br/>
<a id="pl.1.14"></a><var>1.14</var>and other related provisions. The board may convene informal working groups or work <br/>
<a id="pl.1.15"></a><var>1.15</var>teams to develop information, education, and recommendations.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.2.0"></a><a id="pl.1.16"></a><var>1.16</var>    Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 103E.065, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.1.17"></a><var>1.17</var><b>103E.065 DRAINAGE INSPECTORS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.1.18"></a><var>1.18</var>In counties where constructed or watershed districts having drainage systems have <br/>
<a id="pl.1.19"></a><var>1.19</var>an aggregate cost of more than $50,000 constructed in accordance with this chapter, the <br/>
<a id="pl.1.20"></a><var>1.20</var>board drainage authority shall appoint a competent person as county drainage inspector. <br/>
<a id="pl.1.21"></a><var>1.21</var>The inspector may be the county highway engineer. The inspector shall examine the <br/>
<a id="pl.1.22"></a><var>1.22</var>drainage systems designated by the board drainage authority. The board drainage authority <br/>
<a id="pl.1.23"></a><var>1.23</var>shall specify the appointment period and compensation.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.3.0"></a><a id="pl.2.1"></a><var>2.1</var>    Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 103E.227, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.2.2"></a><var>2.2</var><b>103E.227 IMPOUNDING</b><b>, REROUTING,</b><b> AND DIVERSION OF DRAINAGE </b><br/>
<a id="pl.2.3"></a><var>2.3</var><b>SYSTEM WATERS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.2.4"></a><var>2.4</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Petition.</b> (a) To conserve and make more adequate use of our water <br/>
<a id="pl.2.5"></a><var>2.5</var>resources, a person, public or municipal corporation, governmental subdivision, the state <br/>
<a id="pl.2.6"></a><var>2.6</var>or a department or agency of the state, the commissioner of natural resources, and the <br/>
<a id="pl.2.7"></a><var>2.7</var>United States or any of its agencies, may petition for the installation of dams or other <br/>
<a id="pl.2.8"></a><var>2.8</var>control works in drainage ditch systems to impound, reroute, or divert drainage system <br/>
<a id="pl.2.9"></a><var>2.9</var>waters for beneficial use. The petition must be directed to the drainage authority where <br/>
<a id="pl.2.10"></a><var>2.10</var>the drainage system is located.<br/>
<a id="pl.2.11"></a><var>2.11</var>(b) If the drainage system is under the jurisdiction of a county drainage authority, the <br/>
<a id="pl.2.12"></a><var>2.12</var>petition must be filed with the auditor of the county. If the drainage system is under the <br/>
<a id="pl.2.13"></a><var>2.13</var>jurisdiction of a joint county drainage authority, the petition must be filed with the county <br/>
<a id="pl.2.14"></a><var>2.14</var>having the largest area of property in the drainage system, where the primary drainage <br/>
<a id="pl.2.15"></a><var>2.15</var>system records are kept. If the system is under the jurisdiction of a watershed district, <br/>
<a id="pl.2.16"></a><var>2.16</var>the petition must be filed with the secretary of the district.<br/>
<a id="pl.2.17"></a><var>2.17</var>(b) (c) The petition must contain the location of the installation, concept plans, and <br/>
<a id="pl.2.18"></a><var>2.18</var>specifications for the proposed structure project,  and a map of that identifies the areas <br/>
<a id="pl.2.19"></a><var>2.19</var>likely to be affected by the impoundment or diversion project.<br/>
<a id="pl.2.20"></a><var>2.20</var>(c) (d) The petitioner petition shall agree to be responsible for the cost of installation <br/>
<a id="pl.2.21"></a><var>2.21</var>and construction of the structure identify the sources of funds to be used to secure the <br/>
<a id="pl.2.22"></a><var>2.22</var>necessary land rights and to construct the project and the amount and rationale for any <br/>
<a id="pl.2.23"></a><var>2.23</var>drainage system funds requested.<br/>
<a id="pl.2.24"></a><var>2.24</var>(d) (e) The petition petitioner or drainage authority must also be accompanied by <br/>
<a id="pl.2.25"></a><var>2.25</var>acquire a public waters work permit or a water use permit from the commissioner of <br/>
<a id="pl.2.26"></a><var>2.26</var>natural resources if required under chapter 103G.<br/>
<a id="pl.2.27"></a><var>2.27</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Bond.</b> (a) Upon filing the petition, the petitioners shall file a bond as <br/>
<a id="pl.2.28"></a><var>2.28</var>provided in section 
         <statute_ref>103E.202</statute_ref>.  <br/>
<a id="pl.2.29"></a><var>2.29</var>(b) A bond is not required if the petition is filed by the state, a state agency <br/>
<a id="pl.2.30"></a><var>2.30</var>or department, the commissioner of natural resources, the United States or any of its <br/>
<a id="pl.2.31"></a><var>2.31</var>agencies, a soil and water conservation district, a watershed district, or a municipality.<br/>
<a id="pl.2.32"></a><var>2.32</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Procedure to establish project.</b> (a) After receiving the petition, and bond, <br/>
<a id="pl.2.33"></a><var>2.33</var>and permit, if required, the drainage authority must appoint an engineer to investigate the <br/>
<a id="pl.2.34"></a><var>2.34</var>effect of the proposed installation and file a report of findings.<br/>
<a id="pl.2.35"></a><var>2.35</var>(b) After filing of the engineer's report, notice must be given and a public hearing <br/>
<a id="pl.2.36"></a><var>2.36</var>held as provided in section 
         <statute_ref>103E.261</statute_ref>.  <br/>
<a id="pl.3.1"></a><var>3.1</var>(c) If from at the hearing it appears from the engineer's report and other evidence <br/>
<a id="pl.3.2"></a><var>3.2</var>presented that the installation project will be of a public or private benefit and that it <br/>
<a id="pl.3.3"></a><var>3.3</var>will not impair the utility of the ditch drainage system or deprive affected land owners <br/>
<a id="pl.3.4"></a><var>3.4</var>of its benefit, the drainage authority shall make an order modifying the drainage system, <br/>
<a id="pl.3.5"></a><var>3.5</var>to include the amount, if any, of drainage system funds approved for the project at the <br/>
<a id="pl.3.6"></a><var>3.6</var>discretion of the drainage authority,  and issue a permit an order authorizing its installation <br/>
<a id="pl.3.7"></a><var>3.7</var>the project.<br/>
<a id="pl.3.8"></a><var>3.8</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Permits and </b><b>flowage easements required.</b> Before installing or <br/>
<a id="pl.3.9"></a><var>3.9</var>constructing an impoundment or diversion the project, the petitioner or drainage authority <br/>
<a id="pl.3.10"></a><var>3.10</var>shall obtain all required permits and all necessary rights-of-way and flowage easements <br/>
<a id="pl.3.11"></a><var>3.11</var>from owners of land to be affected by it.<br/>
<a id="pl.3.12"></a><var>3.12</var>    Subd. 5. <b>Assessment of</b><b> </b><b>Construction, operation, </b><b>maintenance</b><b>,</b><b> and repair </b><br/>
<a id="pl.3.13"></a><var>3.13</var><b>costs</b><b> responsibilities</b><b>.</b> The order of the drainage authority modifying the drainage <br/>
<a id="pl.3.14"></a><var>3.14</var>system must provide that construction and later identify the parties responsible for <br/>
<a id="pl.3.15"></a><var>3.15</var>construction, operation, and maintenance and repairs of the drainage system modification <br/>
<a id="pl.3.16"></a><var>3.16</var>and installation must be done by the petitioner without assessment of the cost to the <br/>
<a id="pl.3.17"></a><var>3.17</var>property owners previously within the drainage system the amount, if any, of drainage <br/>
<a id="pl.3.18"></a><var>3.18</var>system funds for the project. If the part of the drainage system located within the project <br/>
<a id="pl.3.19"></a><var>3.19</var>boundaries is in need of repairs, the petitioner's engineer shall estimate the cost at the time <br/>
<a id="pl.3.20"></a><var>3.20</var>of petition of these separable repairs. The drainage authority shall consider the separable <br/>
<a id="pl.3.21"></a><var>3.21</var>repair costs that will be avoided as a result of the petitioned project, as well as any other <br/>
<a id="pl.3.22"></a><var>3.22</var>benefits of the project to the drainage system, when determining whether or how much to <br/>
<a id="pl.3.23"></a><var>3.23</var>contribute to the petitioned project.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.4.0"></a><a id="pl.3.24"></a><var>3.24</var>    Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 103E.401, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.3.25"></a><var>3.25</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Petition.</b> A person seeking authority to use an established drainage system <br/>
<a id="pl.3.26"></a><var>3.26</var>as an outlet must petition the drainage authority. When the petition is filed, the drainage <br/>
<a id="pl.3.27"></a><var>3.27</var>authority in consultation with the auditor shall set a time and location for a hearing on the <br/>
<a id="pl.3.28"></a><var>3.28</var>petition and shall give notice by mail and notice by publication of the hearing. The auditor <br/>
<a id="pl.3.29"></a><var>3.29</var>must be paid a fee of $5 plus 30 cents for each notice mailed in excess of ten the actual <br/>
<a id="pl.3.30"></a><var>3.30</var>costs for the hearing notices by the petitioner.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.5.0"></a><a id="pl.3.31"></a><var>3.31</var>    Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 103E.505, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.3.32"></a><var>3.32</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Notice of contract awarding.</b> The auditor of an affected county shall give <br/>
<a id="pl.3.33"></a><var>3.33</var>notice of the awarding of the contract by publication in a newspaper in the county. The <br/>
<a id="pl.3.34"></a><var>3.34</var>notice must state the time and location for awarding the contract. For a joint county <br/>
<a id="pl.4.1"></a><var>4.1</var>drainage project the auditors shall award the contract at the office of the auditor where <br/>
<a id="pl.4.2"></a><var>4.2</var>the proceedings are pending. If the estimated cost of construction is more than $3,000 <br/>
<a id="pl.4.3"></a><var>4.3</var>$25,000, the auditor must also place a notice in a drainage construction trade newspaper. <br/>
<a id="pl.4.4"></a><var>4.4</var>The trade newspaper notice must state:<br/>
<a id="pl.4.5"></a><var>4.5</var>(1) the time and location for awarding the contract;<br/>
<a id="pl.4.6"></a><var>4.6</var>(2) the approximate amount of work and its estimated cost;<br/>
<a id="pl.4.7"></a><var>4.7</var>(3) that bids may be for the work as one job, or in sections, or separately, for bridges, <br/>
<a id="pl.4.8"></a><var>4.8</var>ditches and open work, tile, or tile construction work, if required or advisable;<br/>
<a id="pl.4.9"></a><var>4.9</var>(4) that each bid must be accompanied by a certified check or a bond furnished by an <br/>
<a id="pl.4.10"></a><var>4.10</var>approved surety corporation payable to the auditors of affected counties for ten percent of <br/>
<a id="pl.4.11"></a><var>4.11</var>the bid, as security that the bidder will enter into a contract and give a bond as required <br/>
<a id="pl.4.12"></a><var>4.12</var>by section 
         <statute_ref>103E.501</statute_ref>; and  <br/>
<a id="pl.4.13"></a><var>4.13</var>(5) that the drainage authority reserves the right to reject any and all bids.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.6.0"></a><a id="pl.4.14"></a><var>4.14</var>    Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 103E.611, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.4.15"></a><var>4.15</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Payment of drainage lien principal.</b> (a) Drainage liens against <br/>
<a id="pl.4.16"></a><var>4.16</var>property benefited under this chapter are payable to the treasurer of the county in 20 or <br/>
<a id="pl.4.17"></a><var>4.17</var>less equal annual installments. The first installment of the principal is due on or before <br/>
<a id="pl.4.18"></a><var>4.18</var>November 1 after the drainage lien statement is recorded, and each subsequent installment <br/>
<a id="pl.4.19"></a><var>4.19</var>is due on or before November 1 of each year afterwards until the principal is paid.<br/>
<a id="pl.4.20"></a><var>4.20</var>(b) The drainage authority may, by order, direct the drainage lien to be paid by 1/15 of <br/>
<a id="pl.4.21"></a><var>4.21</var>the principal on or before five years from November 1 after the lien statement is recorded, <br/>
<a id="pl.4.22"></a><var>4.22</var>and 1/15 on or before November 1 of each year afterwards until the principal is paid.<br/>
<a id="pl.4.23"></a><var>4.23</var>(c) The drainage authority may order that the drainage lien must be paid by one or <br/>
<a id="pl.4.24"></a><var>4.24</var>two installments, notwithstanding paragraphs (a) and (b), if the principal amount of a lien <br/>
<a id="pl.4.25"></a><var>4.25</var>against a lot or tract of property or against a county or municipality is less than $50 $500.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.7.0"></a><a id="pl.4.26"></a><var>4.26</var>    Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 103E.735, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.4.27"></a><var>4.27</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Authority and limits of fund.</b> To create a repair fund for a <br/>
<a id="pl.4.28"></a><var>4.28</var>drainage system to be used only for repairs, the drainage authority may apportion and <br/>
<a id="pl.4.29"></a><var>4.29</var>assess an amount against all property and entities assessed for benefits in proceedings <br/>
<a id="pl.4.30"></a><var>4.30</var>for establishment of the drainage system, including property not originally assessed <br/>
<a id="pl.4.31"></a><var>4.31</var>and subsequently found to be benefited according to law. The fund may not exceed 20 <br/>
<a id="pl.4.32"></a><var>4.32</var>percent of the assessed benefits of the drainage system or $40,000 $100,000, whichever is <br/>
<a id="pl.4.33"></a><var>4.33</var>greater. If the account in a fund for a drainage system exceeds the larger of 20 percent <br/>
<a id="pl.4.34"></a><var>4.34</var>of the assessed benefits of the drainage system or $40,000 $100,000, assessments for <br/>
<a id="pl.5.1"></a><var>5.1</var>the fund may not be made until the account is less than the larger of 20 percent of the <br/>
<a id="pl.5.2"></a><var>5.2</var>assessed benefits or $40,000 $100,000. Assessments must be made pro rata according to <br/>
<a id="pl.5.3"></a><var>5.3</var>the determined benefits. Assessments may be made payable, by order, in equal annual <br/>
<a id="pl.5.4"></a><var>5.4</var>installments. The auditor shall file a tabular statement as provided in section 
         <statute_ref>103E.731, <br/>
<a id="pl.5.5"></a><var>5.5</var>subdivision 4
         </statute_ref>, with the county recorder. Assessments must be collected as provided in <br/>
<a id="pl.5.6"></a><var>5.6</var>section 
         <statute_ref>103E.731</statute_ref>.  <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.8.0"></a><a id="pl.5.7"></a><var>5.7</var>    Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 103E.805, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.5.8"></a><var>5.8</var><b>103E.805 REMOVAL OF PROPERTY FROM </b><b>AND PARTIAL </b><br/>
<a id="pl.5.9"></a><var>5.9</var><b>ABANDONMENT OF</b><b> A DRAINAGE SYSTEM.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.5.10"></a><var>5.10</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Petition.</b> After the construction of a drainage system, the an owner <br/>
<a id="pl.5.11"></a><var>5.11</var>of benefited property may petition the drainage authority to remove property from the <br/>
<a id="pl.5.12"></a><var>5.12</var>drainage system or abandon any part of the drainage system that is not of public benefit <br/>
<a id="pl.5.13"></a><var>5.13</var>and utility and does not serve a substantial useful purpose to property remaining in the <br/>
<a id="pl.5.14"></a><var>5.14</var>system if:<br/>
<a id="pl.5.15"></a><var>5.15</var>(1) waters are diverted from property assessed for benefits so that the drainage from <br/>
<a id="pl.5.16"></a><var>5.16</var>the property does not use or affect the drainage system; or<br/>
<a id="pl.5.17"></a><var>5.17</var>(2) a dam authorized by law is constructed in the drainage system so that the <br/>
<a id="pl.5.18"></a><var>5.18</var>property above the dam cannot use or receive benefits from the drainage system.<br/>
<a id="pl.5.19"></a><var>5.19</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Filing.</b> If the drainage system is under the jurisdiction of a county drainage <br/>
<a id="pl.5.20"></a><var>5.20</var>authority, the petition must be filed with the auditor of the county. If the drainage system <br/>
<a id="pl.5.21"></a><var>5.21</var>is under the jurisdiction of a joint county drainage authority, the petition must be filed with <br/>
<a id="pl.5.22"></a><var>5.22</var>the county having the largest area of property in the drainage system, where the primary <br/>
<a id="pl.5.23"></a><var>5.23</var>drainage system records are kept. If the system is under the jurisdiction of a watershed <br/>
<a id="pl.5.24"></a><var>5.24</var>district, the petition must be filed with the secretary of the district.<br/>
<a id="pl.5.25"></a><var>5.25</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Hearing.</b> (a) When the petition is filed, the drainage authority in <br/>
<a id="pl.5.26"></a><var>5.26</var>consultation with the auditor or the secretary shall set a time and location for a hearing <br/>
<a id="pl.5.27"></a><var>5.27</var>on the partial abandonment petition and shall give notice by publication of the hearing <br/>
<a id="pl.5.28"></a><var>5.28</var>to all persons interested in the drainage system by mail to the owners of all property <br/>
<a id="pl.5.29"></a><var>5.29</var>benefited by the drainage system, and either in a newspaper of general circulation within <br/>
<a id="pl.5.30"></a><var>5.30</var>the affected drainage area or by publication on a Web site of the drainage authority.<br/>
<a id="pl.5.31"></a><var>5.31</var>(b) At the hearing, the drainage authority shall make findings and shall direct, by <br/>
<a id="pl.5.32"></a><var>5.32</var>order, that the petitioners' property be removed from the drainage system if the drainage <br/>
<a id="pl.5.33"></a><var>5.33</var>authority determines:<br/>
<a id="pl.6.1"></a><var>6.1</var>(1) that the waters from the petitioners' property have been diverted from the <br/>
<a id="pl.6.2"></a><var>6.2</var>drainage system, or that a dam has been lawfully constructed and the property cannot <br/>
<a id="pl.6.3"></a><var>6.3</var>significantly or regularly use the drainage system;<br/>
<a id="pl.6.4"></a><var>6.4</var>(2) that the property is not benefited by the drainage system and does not use or <br/>
<a id="pl.6.5"></a><var>6.5</var>affect the drainage system; and<br/>
<a id="pl.6.6"></a><var>6.6</var>(3) that removing the property from the drainage system will not prejudice the <br/>
<a id="pl.6.7"></a><var>6.7</var>property owners and property remaining in the system.<br/>
<a id="pl.6.8"></a><var>6.8</var>(c) The drainage authority shall make findings and direct, by order, that part of <br/>
<a id="pl.6.9"></a><var>6.9</var>the drainage system be abandoned if the drainage authority determines that part of the <br/>
<a id="pl.6.10"></a><var>6.10</var>drainage system does not serve a substantial useful purpose to any property remaining in <br/>
<a id="pl.6.11"></a><var>6.11</var>the system and is not of a substantial public benefit and utility.<br/>
<a id="pl.6.12"></a><var>6.12</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Effect of removing property from drainage system.</b> The property that <br/>
<a id="pl.6.13"></a><var>6.13</var>has been removed from the drainage system is not affected by the drainage system at any <br/>
<a id="pl.6.14"></a><var>6.14</var>later proceeding for the repair or improvement of the drainage system and a drainage lien <br/>
<a id="pl.6.15"></a><var>6.15</var>or assessment for repairs or improvements may not be made against the property that has <br/>
<a id="pl.6.16"></a><var>6.16</var>been removed on or after the date of the order.<br/>
<a id="pl.6.17"></a><var>6.17</var>    Subd. 5. <b>Liens and assessments on property removed </b><b>or abandoned</b><b> from a </b><br/>
<a id="pl.6.18"></a><var>6.18</var><b>drainage system</b><b>.</b> An order under this section does not release the property from a <br/>
<a id="pl.6.19"></a><var>6.19</var>drainage lien filed on account of the drainage system before the date of the order. An <br/>
<a id="pl.6.20"></a><var>6.20</var>order under this section does not release the property from any assessment or a drainage <br/>
<a id="pl.6.21"></a><var>6.21</var>lien filed on or after the date of the order for costs incurred on account of the drainage <br/>
<a id="pl.6.22"></a><var>6.22</var>system before the date of the order.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.9.0"></a><a id="pl.6.23"></a><var>6.23</var>    Sec. 9. <b>[103E.806] PARTIAL ABANDONMENT OF A DRAINAGE SYSTEM.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.6.24"></a><var>6.24</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Petition.</b> After construction of a drainage system, an owner of <br/>
<a id="pl.6.25"></a><var>6.25</var>benefited property may petition the drainage authority to abandon any part of the drainage <br/>
<a id="pl.6.26"></a><var>6.26</var>system that is not of public benefit and utility and does not serve a substantial useful <br/>
<a id="pl.6.27"></a><var>6.27</var>purpose to property remaining in the system.<br/>
<a id="pl.6.28"></a><var>6.28</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Filing.</b> If the drainage system is under the jurisdiction of a county drainage <br/>
<a id="pl.6.29"></a><var>6.29</var>authority, the petition must be filed with the auditor of the county. If the drainage system <br/>
<a id="pl.6.30"></a><var>6.30</var>is under the jurisdiction of a joint county drainage authority, the petition must be filed with <br/>
<a id="pl.6.31"></a><var>6.31</var>the county having the largest area of property in the drainage system, where the primary <br/>
<a id="pl.6.32"></a><var>6.32</var>drainage system records are kept. If the system is under the jurisdiction of a watershed <br/>
<a id="pl.6.33"></a><var>6.33</var>district, the petition must be filed with the secretary of the district.<br/>
<a id="pl.6.34"></a><var>6.34</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Hearing.</b> (a) When the petition is filed, the drainage authority, in <br/>
<a id="pl.6.35"></a><var>6.35</var>consultation with the auditor or the secretary, shall set a time and location for a hearing <br/>
<a id="pl.7.1"></a><var>7.1</var>on the petition and shall give notice of the hearing by mail to the owners of all property <br/>
<a id="pl.7.2"></a><var>7.2</var>benefited by the drainage system, and either in a newspaper of general circulation within <br/>
<a id="pl.7.3"></a><var>7.3</var>the affected drainage area or by publication on a Web site of the drainage authority.<br/>
<a id="pl.7.4"></a><var>7.4</var>(b) At the hearing, the drainage authority shall make findings and direct, by order, <br/>
<a id="pl.7.5"></a><var>7.5</var>that part of the drainage system be abandoned, if the drainage authority determines that <br/>
<a id="pl.7.6"></a><var>7.6</var>part of the drainage system does not serve a substantial useful purpose as part of the <br/>
<a id="pl.7.7"></a><var>7.7</var>drainage system to any property remaining in the system and is not of a substantial public <br/>
<a id="pl.7.8"></a><var>7.8</var>benefit and utility.<br/>
<a id="pl.7.9"></a><var>7.9</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Effect of partial abandonment.</b> After partial abandonment of a drainage <br/>
<a id="pl.7.10"></a><var>7.10</var>system, a repair petition may not be accepted for the abandoned part of the drainage system <br/>
<a id="pl.7.11"></a><var>7.11</var>and the responsibility of the drainage authority for that part of the drainage system ends.<br/>
<a id="pl.7.12"></a><var>7.12</var>    Subd. 5. <b>Liens and assessments on property involved in partial abandonment.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.7.13"></a><var>7.13</var>An order under this section does not release the property from a drainage lien filed on <br/>
<a id="pl.7.14"></a><var>7.14</var>account of the drainage system before the date of the order. An order under this section <br/>
<a id="pl.7.15"></a><var>7.15</var>does not release the property from any assessment or a drainage lien filed on or after the <br/>
<a id="pl.7.16"></a><var>7.16</var>date of the order for costs incurred on account of the drainage system before the date of <br/>
<a id="pl.7.17"></a><var>7.17</var>the order.<br/>