Okla. Stat. tit. 82, § 82-1085.17: State policy - Purpose

It is hereby declared to be the policy of the State of Oklahoma

to encourage and promote the optimum development and utilization of

all feasible reservoir sites or areas within this state which may be

suitable and usable for the conservation storage of the waters of

this state by the construction or enlargement of dams, reservoirs or

other structures. It is the purpose of this act to provide or

assist in providing for the acquisition, development and utilization

of storage and control facilities of the waters of this state for

the use and benefit of the public and for the conservation and

distribution of water for useful purposes in or from reservoirs or

other storage facilities constructed, or hereafter constructed,

modified or enlarged, within the State of Oklahoma by the United

States of America or the State of Oklahoma or any agency,

department, subdivision or instrumentality thereof, for the

following and specific reasons and benefits for the general welfare

and the future economic growth of the state:

1. Multiple-purpose dam and reservoir sites are very limited in

number and not replaceable.

2. Water management in Oklahoma requires the storage of water

during periods of surplus supply for use during periods of short

supply.

3. Most reservoir sites in Oklahoma will have a useful life of

seventy-five to several hundred years. Therefore, it is imperative

that the reservoir sites be developed to the full potential of the

site and the net water yield of the drainage area after all present

and future needs and beneficial uses of water are satisfied above

said site.

4. The conservation of soil and water in Oklahoma requires the

continuation of watershed protection and flood prevention programs

on an accelerated priority basis with consideration given to future

water needs of the area.