David Minge: “farmers and other landowners in the Second Congressional District are frustrated by a complex, burdensome, inefficient…”

“farmers and other landowners in the Second Congressional District are frustrated by a complex, burdensome, inefficient, and expensive set of procedures and restrictions dealing with wetlands and drainage. This has led to demands for compensation and reform of the process. I am drafting and will introduce legislation to dramatically simplify the procedures and reduce the harsh effects of these drainage and wetlands restrictions. The problem must be solved, and it must be solved now. The alternative approach set up in H.R. 925 of establishing a right to compensation for a loss of land value due to Federal restrictions is inviting but ill-advised. It will be a full employment act for attorneys and appraisers, potentially explosive liability, and an increase in the Federal debt. It is unworkable, unfair, and poorly thought out. For example, owners of areas with cattails that could be drained would be entitled to farmland value. Another example of the problem is how to handle parcels that are subject to, and then relieved of, restrictions. Should the land owner be obligated to refund the payment? Should the Federal Government have a lien on the land to receive the refund? Query, what is to be done about the situation where property both receives very substantial benefits from Federal activity that increases land value and then a more modest loss of value due to regulations? The real goal is to eliminate the unreasonable burdens.…”