37-1054
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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. |