45-2101. Declaration of policy
A. It is the declared policy of the legislature to provide for a coordinated effort
for the restoration and conservation of the water resources of this state. This policy
is designed to allow the people of this state to prosper while protecting and restoring
this state's rivers and streams and associated riparian habitats, including fish and
wildlife resources that are dependent on these important habitats. In support of this
policy, financial resources shall be made available by this state to the appropriate
public and private entities to assist in water resource management activities that
protect this state's rivers and streams and associated riparian habitats.
B. The primary purpose of this chapter is to establish the Arizona water protection
fund commission and the Arizona water protection fund that shall provide an annual source
of funds for the development and implementation of measures to protect water of
sufficient quality and quantity to maintain, enhance and restore rivers and streams and
associated riparian habitats, including fish and wildlife resources that are dependent on
these important habitats consistent with existing water law and water rights. The
commission may also provide funding to develop and protect riparian habitats in
conjunction with a man-made water resource project, if the man-made water resource water
project directly or indirectly benefits a river or stream and includes or creates a
riparian habitat. This funding shall occur primarily through the grant of monies from
the Arizona water protection fund by the commission to entities that cooperate and work
in conjunction with local residents and affected jurisdictions.
C. This declaration of policy and the use of the words "restore", "restoring" and
"restoration" in this chapter shall not imply an intent to prescribe the removal of dams,
levees or other man-made structures.
D. Nothing in this chapter shall limit or restrict the authority or opportunities
of state or local governments or other political subdivisions to plan, develop or
implement projects consistent with this chapter.
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