The Michigan Drain Code (Act 40 of Public Acts of 1956, as amended) is the law that governs the responsibilities of the Drain Commissioner. The Drain Commissioner, Becky Rininger, and staff are responsible for the operation and maintenance of over 780 established county drains and storm water management systems in Allegan County.

A county drain may be an open ditch, stream or underground pipe, retention pond or swale that conveys stormwater. These drains become designated as county drains through a petition process where either property owners or a local city, village or township petitions the Drain Commissioner to establish a county drain.

These systems are designed to provide storm water management, drainage, flood prevention and stream protection for agricultural and developed lands. Within county drainage districts, the Drain Commissioner is responsible for accounting of expenditures and financial statements, for maintaining records of the establishment and operation of each, and for conducting routine inspections and maintenance of the drains.

Staff Contacts

• Becky Rininger, Drain Commissioner
• Debra Kirsch, Chief Deputy Drain Commissioner
• Denise Medemar, Deputy Drain Commissioner
• Glenn Pomp, P.E., Civil Engineer
• Brent Scholten, Maintenance Supervisor
• Ron King, Maintenance Technician