(a) The General Assembly takes notice that interests of the state would be benefited by the establishment of irrigation systems and that the coordination of irrigation, flood control, and drainage improvements is a matter of public interest and public welfare; the General Assembly believes that this end will be promoted by enabling legislation for the organization of irrigation and drainage districts, vesting the districts with appropriate powers to accomplish their objectives, and, therefore, declares its policy to be to promote these activities by providing for the organization, operation, and maintenance of districts for the multiple purposes of irrigation, flood control, and drainage.
(b)
(1) The General Assembly also takes notice that:
(A) Erosion, floodwater, and sediment damages in the watersheds of the rivers and streams of this state, causing loss of life and damage to property, constitute a menace to the welfare of the people of this state;
(B) This state and its political subdivisions should cooperate with the federal government for the purpose of preventing such damages and of furthering the conservation, development, utilization, and disposal of water and thereby preserve and protect this state's land and water resources, as contemplated by the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act;
(C) This cooperation may be more fully promoted by enabling legislation for the organization of watershed improvement districts vested with appropriate powers to accomplish their objectives.
(2) Therefore, the General Assembly declares its policy to be to promote such cooperation and purposes by providing for the organization, operation, and maintenance of watershed improvement districts. These districts may be combined with the other districts authorized by this chapter.
Structure Arkansas Code