76-5-101: Findings.

The people of the state of Montana find that:

(1) recurrent flooding of a portion of the state's land resources causes loss of life, damage to property, disruption of commerce and governmental services, and unsanitary conditions; all of which are detrimental to the health, safety, welfare, and property of the occupants of flooded lands and the people of this state; and

(2) the public interest necessitates management and regulation of flood-prone lands and waters in a manner consistent with sound land and water use management practices which will prevent and alleviate flooding threats to life and health and reduce private and public economic losses.