37-1054

37-1054. Powers of district

A. A district is empowered to:

1. Conduct surveys, investigations and research relating to the character of the
soil, soil erosion prevention within a farm or ranch, methods of cultivation, farm and
range practices, seeding, eradication of noxious growths and such other measures as will
aid farm and range operations, disseminate information pertaining thereto, and carry on
research programs with or without the cooperation of the state, the United States or
agencies thereof.

2. Conduct demonstration projects within the district on lands owned or controlled
by the state or any of its agencies with the consent and cooperation of the agency having
jurisdiction thereof, and on any other lands within the district upon obtaining the
consent of the owner thereof or the necessary rights or interests therein, in order to
demonstrate by example the means, methods and measures by which water, soil and soil
resources may be conserved, and soil erosion and soil washing prevented and controlled.

3. Cooperate and enter into agreements with a landowner, an operator or any agency
or subdivision of the state or federal government to carry on programs of watershed
improvement, soil erosion prevention, methods of cultivation, cropping practices, land
leveling and improvement on agricultural lands, and programs limited to methods of proper
range use, reseeding and the eradication of noxious growth on grazing lands, all within
the limits of an individual farm or ranch and subject to such conditions as the
supervisors deem necessary.

4. Acquire, by purchase, exchange, lease or otherwise, any property, real or
personal, or rights or interest therein, maintain, administer and improve any properties
acquired, receive income therefrom and expend it in carrying out the purposes of this
chapter, and sell, lease or otherwise dispose of any property or interest therein in
furtherance of the purposes of this chapter.

5. Make available, on such terms as it prescribes to landowners within the
district, agricultural and engineering machinery and equipment, fertilizer, seed and such
other material or equipment as will assist the landowners to carry on operations upon
their lands for the purposes and programs authorized by this chapter.

6. Develop, publish and bring to the attention of owners of lands within the
district comprehensive plans for the conservation of soil and water resources within the
district which shall specify in such detail as may be feasible the acts, procedures,
performances and avoidances necessary or desirable for the effectuation of the plans.

7. Apply for, receive, and spend monies from the Arizona water protection fund
pursuant to title 45, chapter 12 to be used in individual districts or in cooperation
with other districts, persons, cities, towns, counties, special districts and Indian
communities for projects consistent with the provisions of title 45, chapter 12.

8. Employ agents, engineers, attorneys or other employees not readily available
from existing state agencies.

9. Sue and be sued in the name of the district, have a seal, which shall be
judicially noticed, have perpetual succession unless terminated as provided in this
chapter, make and execute contracts and other instruments necessary or convenient to the
exercise of its powers, and make, amend and repeal rules not inconsistent with this
chapter to carry into effect its purposes and powers.

10. Accept donations, gifts and contributions in money, services, materials or
otherwise, and use or expend them in carrying on its operations.

11. Organize and establish an education center.

B. No provision of law with respect to the acquisition, operation or disposition of
property by other public bodies shall be applicable to a district organized under this
chapter unless specifically stated therein.

C. After the formation of any district under the provisions of this chapter, all
participation thereunder shall be voluntary, notwithstanding any provision of this
chapter to the contrary.

D. A district may send to the Arizona water protection fund commission established
pursuant to title 45, chapter 12 written recommendations for geographic areas to be
emphasized, issues of concern and measures to implement title 45, chapter 12. A district
that sends written recommendations to the commission shall request information from at
least the following:

1. The director of the department of water resources and the state land
commissioner.

2. The federal and state fish, wildlife, recreation and natural resource agencies.

3. County and municipal entities.

4. The public.

E. The district shall develop procedures to assure adequate participation in the
public involvement process prescribed by subsection D.