Sec. 1. (a) It is recognized that the growth and spread of urban development and highways is encroaching upon and often eliminating many open areas that are suitable for reservoirs needed for water supply storage in the near future. Because of the varied topography and the geological differences that exist in the subsurface, there are a limited number of desirable reservoir sites in Indiana. There is an increasing demand for water supply storage to be used for the following purposes: (1) Domestic use. (2) Municipal use. (3) Commercial use. (4) Industrial use. (5) Agricultural use, including irrigation. (6) Recreational use. (7) Sewage dilution. (8) Pollution abatement. (9) General health purposes. (10) Power. (11) Transportation. (12) Maintenance of desirable levels of stream flow. (13) Flood prevention and control. (b) Therefore, it is the duty of the general assembly to provide both for the immediate and future needs of the people of Indiana. The general assembly is providing the means through this chapter by which the state, municipalities, special taxing districts, and public utilities may secure needed reservoir sites to meet both the present and the future needs for storage of water even though there may be no present, immediate need. [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 13-2-9-1.] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.19.
IC 14-26-1-2 Legislative findings regarding regulation of flow of rivers and waters Sec. 2. (a) The unregulated flow of the rivers and water of Indiana results in periods of destructive floods upsetting the orderly processes of industry, agriculture, commerce, and life in general and causing loss of life and property. The unregulated flow results in periods of inadequate water flow during which municipal, industrial, and agricultural water supplies are made inadequate and the propagation of fish and wildlife is adversely affected. (b) This unregulated flow is a menace to the general welfare and economy of the people of Indiana. The regulation of the flow of the rivers and water of Indiana is a proper activity of the state, independently or in cooperation with the United States, an agency of the United States, or a political subdivision of the state. (c) The state should improve or participate in the improvement of the rivers and water of Indiana to regulate the flood and low water flow of the rivers and water and so that the lives and general welfare of the people of Indiana are protected and enhanced. [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 13-2-9-1.5.] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.19.