Oregon Revised Statutes Water Resources: Irrigation, Drainage, Flood Control, Reclamation § 543.650

The Legislative Assembly finds that a significant potential exists for the development of the hydroelectric generation capabilities of water systems serving domestic water supply districts, irrigation districts, drainage districts, water improvement districts and water control districts. The Legislative Assembly also finds that the development of such hydroelectric generation capabilities is desirable for meeting the electrical energy needs of the citizens of the State of Oregon. It is the intent of the Legislative Assembly to provide domestic water supply districts, irrigation districts, drainage districts, water improvement districts and water control districts with the authority and the right to exercise municipal preference in the development of hydroelectric generation capabilities in connection with their water systems. Further, it is the intent of the Legislative Assembly that the development of hydroelectric generation capabilities under ORS 543.650 to 543.685 does not become the primary function of domestic water supply districts, irrigation districts, drainage districts, water improvement districts and water control districts.