Bill > HF631

This bill modifies existing administrative rules related to backwater variances for bridge construction or repair by requiring the director of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to automatically issue a variance for backwater requirements when all affected landowners who have not already provided a flooding easement submit a written acknowledgment that their property will be subject to flooding during and after the bridge project. Currently, if a bridge construction project exceeds established backwater limits, the DNR may require the relevant authority (such as a state agency, county, or city) to acquire flooding easements from affected landowners. The new provision streamlines this process by creating a straightforward mechanism for obtaining a variance, contingent upon receiving written acknowledgments from all non-participating landowners. This change could potentially make bridge construction and repair projects easier and less administratively burdensome by reducing the complexity of obtaining permissions for projects that might marginally impact flood patterns.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF631