Who pays for drain projects?

Land owners and municipalities within a given Drainage District pay for drain projects within the district. The cost of the project is shared by all the property owners within the district. Each property will be assigned its share, which is calculated on the "benefit" received by each property. The methods for determining benefits can be based on a variety of factors such as acreage and zoning/land use that treat all property owners fairly. Portions of drain project costs are also assigned to the Township/City/Village for public health benefit and to the County and the County Road Commission for benefit to county roads.

The Drain Commissioner will also determine the terms of payment for any assessment. Large projects may be financed by the issuance of notes or bonds, with the costs and assessment. Large projects may be financed by the issuance of notes or bonds, with the costs and assessments spread out over many years.

Show All Answers

1. What is a drain project?
2. Who is in charge of drains and drain projects?
3. How does a drain project begin?
4. Who can petition for a drain project?
5. Who decides whether to do a drain project?
6. Who receives notice of a board of determination hearing?
7. Can the board’s decision be appealed?
8. Can the project change?
9. Who determines what needs to be done?
10. Who pays for drain projects?
11. What is the Drain Commissioner allowed to do without a petition?
12. What’s next?