House votes to discontinue Ramsey County soil and water district

The House voted 119-1 Tuesday to discontinue the Ramsey Soil and Water Conservation District and transfer its duties and authorities to the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners.

Sponsored by Rep. Kelly Fenton (R-Woodbury), HF3819 comes at the request of the conservation district and the county board. It now goes to the Senate where Sen. Carolyn Laine (DFL-Columbia Heights) is the sponsor.

“The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners does support this action and has passed a board resolution that it has the ability and the wherewithal to assume this responsibility,” Fenton said.

The Board of Water and Soil Resources would be allowed to reestablish the district following a petition from the Ramsey County Board.