Terms, limitations and conditions of water right. (1) The Water Resources Department may issue a water right to any applicant for reauthorization of a federally licensed project whose proposed water use complies with the standards set forth in ORS 543A.025. Every water right for a federally licensed project shall provide as a condition that the water right holder may not operate the federally licensed project unless the water right holder is authorized to operate the project by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

(2) The department may approve an application for reauthorization for less water than applied for, or upon terms, limitations and conditions necessary for the protection of the public interest. [1997 c.449 §28]