H.F. 2166 Section 1. Section 331.441, subsection 2, paragraph b, 1 subparagraph (20), Code 2022, is amended to read as follows: 2 (20) The construction, reconstruction, and improvement 3 of all waterways, and real and personal property, useful 4 for the protection or reclamation of property from floods 5 or high waters, and for the protection of property from 6 the effects of flood waters, including reconnection of 7 floodplains, wetland and oxbow lake restoration, the deepening, 8 widening, alteration, change, diversion, or other improvement 9 of watercourses, the construction of levees, embankments, 10 structures, impounding reservoirs, pumping stations or 11 conduits, and the establishment, improvement, and widening of 12 streets, avenues, boulevards, and alleys across and adjacent 13 to the project, as well as the development and beautification 14 of the banks and other areas adjacent to flood control 15 improvements. 16 EXPLANATION 17 The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with 18 the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly. 19 This bill amends the portion of the definition of “essential 20 county purpose” relating to the protection of property from 21 floodwaters to include the reconnection of floodplains and 22 wetland and oxbow lake restoration. 23 Under Code chapter 331, a county board of supervisors may 24 generally contract indebtedness and approve the issuance of 25 general obligation bonds to carry out an essential county 26 purpose without approval by voters at an election, while the 27 issuance of general obligation bonds to carry out a general 28 county purpose generally requires approval by voters at an 29 election. 30 -1- LSB 5352HV (1) 89 md/ns 1/ 1