45-1704. Construction, acquisition and operation

A. The director of water resources may plan, construct, operate and maintain the central Arizona project, or any portion of the project, and any other water projects hereafter included in the state water and power plan, acquire all real property required therefor in the name of the state and take such actions and proceedings as may be necessary or desirable in connection therewith. The authority may plan, acquire, construct, operate and maintain any power project included in the state water and power plan, or any portion of any such project, and any other power projects hereafter included in the state water and power plan, acquire all real property required therefor in the name of the state and take such actions and proceedings as may be necessary or desirable in connection therewith. In carrying out their functions hereunder, the director and the authority shall consult with each other and with appropriate state officials and shall coordinate their activities so that the development of the state water and power plan shall proceed with all reasonable dispatch and efficiency.

B. Before either the director or the authority undertakes the financing or construction of any portion of the central Arizona project, the director or authority shall file with the president of the senate and the speaker of the house, at least thirty calendar days prior to the scheduled adjournment of the legislature's regular session or within five days following the convening of a special session called for that purpose, a feasibility report on such project. Such feasibility report shall set forth estimated costs, the financing steps contemplated, and the anticipated means and schedule of debt payment. Upon approval in whole or in part of such feasibility report by the legislature, the director or the authority shall thereupon be authorized to proceed in accordance with the approval granted by the legislature and the provisions of this article.

C. The state consents to the use and occupation of any real property now or hereafter owned by it, and not dedicated to public use, necessary for the construction, operation or maintenance of any project or projects included in the state water and power plan subject, however, to such payment as lawfully may be required.