What is the North Raccoon River Watershed Management Coalition?

The Coalition is an organization created under the authority of Iowa Code Chapter 28E that allows the joint exercise of governmental powers by political subdivisions of the state.  Iowa Code Chapter 466B allows two or more agencies to form a watershed management authority under Chapter 28E to enable cooperation in supporting watershed planning and improvements for the mutual advantage of the political subdivisions involved.

What does the Coalition do?

The Coalition is the only organization that puts together the cities, counties, and soil & water conservation districts in the watershed of the North Raccoon River to work together on improving water quality in the river and help reduce the risk of flooding.  The Coalition is at the point of  implementing a watershed master plan that was the reason the Coalition was formed in the first place. We share a full-time watershed coordinator with Black Hawk Lake and have secured some funding from the EPA for the state to use for water quality improving projects in the watershed.  We also help promote other organizations that are working in the watershed on the same goals. 

Are the meetings of the Coalition open to the public?

Yes.  The Coalition is required to comply with Iowa's Open Meetings Law.  That means our agenda must posted in the place of the meeting at least 24 hours in advance and our business conducted in accordance with that agenda.

Can a member of the public speak at a meeting of the Coalition?

While not expressly required by the Open Meetings Law, the Coalition has routinely included time in the meeting agenda to receive comments from the public.  

Does the Coalition have any taxing authority?

No.

Can the Coalition use eminent domain?

No.  Use of eminent domain by a watershed management authority is expressly prohibited by state law.





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