§ 14-28-1-1 — Legislative intent

The following are declared:
(1) The loss of lives and property caused by floods and the
damage resulting from floods is a matter of deep concern to
Indiana affecting the life, health, and convenience of the people
and the protection of property. To prevent and limit floods, all
flood control works and structures and the alteration of natural or
present watercourses of all rivers and streams in Indiana should
be regulated, supervised, and coordinated in design, construction,
and operation according to sound and accepted engineering
practices so as to best control and minimize the extent of floods
and reduce the height and violence of floods.
(2) The channels and that part of the flood plains of rivers and
streams that are the floodways should not be inhabited and should
be kept free and clear of interference or obstructions that will
cause any undue restriction of the capacity of the floodways.
(3) The water resources of Indiana that have been diminishing
should be accumulated, preserved, and protected to prevent any
loss or waste beyond reasonable and necessary use.
(4) A master plan or comprehensive plan for the entire state to
control floods and to accumulate, preserve, and protect the water
resources should be investigated, studied, and prepared, policy
and practices should be established, and the necessary works
should be constructed and placed in operation.
[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 13-2-22-2.]

Legislative History

As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.21.