45-1427. Power of Cochise, Graham and Gila counties and the towns of Safford and Thatcher and the city of Douglas to cooperate with the United States in flood control projects

A. The boards of supervisors of Cochise, Graham and Gila counties and the governing bodies of the towns of Safford and Thatcher and the city of Douglas are empowered to cooperate with the United States or any instrumentality, department or agency thereof for the construction, as authorized by any act of Congress, of a flood control project or projects within the county for local flood protection.

B. Pursuant to the powers granted by the provisions of subsection A, Cochise, Graham and Gila counties and the towns of Safford and Thatcher and the city of Douglas are authorized in relation to the flood control project or projects described in subsection A of this section to:

1. Acquire and provide, without cost to the United States, land, easements and rights of way necessary for the construction of flood control projects.

2. Hold and save the United States or any instrumentality, department or agency thereof, free from any claim for damages arising from the construction, maintenance and operation of flood control projects.

3. Construct and carry out, maintain and operate, upon completion, all such works in accordance with regulations prescribed by the secretary of the army, or any authorized agent of the United States.

4. Establish and enforce flood-channel limits and regulations, if any, satisfactory to the secretary of the army.

5. Enter into an agreement with the federal government for the payment, on a pro rata basis, of the cost of construction and maintenance of any project under the provisions of this section.