The legislature finds that a significant potential exists for the development of cost-effective renewable hydroelectric resources by irrigation districts, cities, towns, and public utility districts and further finds that it is in the best interests of the state and its citizens for such entities to develop that hydroelectric generating resource cooperatively whenever possible through the use of separate legal authorities. The legislature also finds that the development of such hydroelectric resources will be beneficial in meeting the present and future energy needs of the citizens of the state, will further a state purpose and policy, and will be in the public interest.

Severability—1983 c 47: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1983 c 47 § 7.]