§33-17-2. Legislative intent; construction of chapter.

The Legislature hereby makes the findings of facts and declaration of intent hereinafter set forth in this section. The construction of a navigable waterway between Demopolis, Alabama and the Tennessee River, utilizing the channel of the Tombigbee River, would provide a new transportation route of great importance and would stimulate the development of commerce, agriculture and industry in many sections of the state. Local flooding along the tributary streams of the Tombigbee River occurs frequently in the growing and harvesting season and causes considerable damage to agriculture in the affected sections of the state. Improvements in the channels of the tributary streams will eliminate much of the damage caused by flooding and will also permit improved farming practices and better land use.

It is the intention of the Legislature by the passage of this chapter to implement the provisions of Amendment No. 270 of the Constitution of Alabama. In order to further the developments herein found to be beneficial, it is the intention of the Legislature to authorize the formation of a public corporation for the following purposes:

(1) To cooperate with the United States, the State of Alabama, other participating states, counties and municipalities, with all agencies, departments and instrumentalities of such political entities, with the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway Development Authority, and with private individuals, corporations, associations and other persons in furthering the development of the waterway and the flood control project;

(2) To undertake all obligations and perform all actions that shall be necessary to fulfill the requirements of local contribution, participation and cooperation now established by the United States in connection with the waterway and the flood control project; and

(3) To cooperate generally with the United States, the State of Alabama, other participating states, counties and municipalities, with all agencies, departments and instrumentalities of such political entities, and with the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway Development Authority in promoting projects in the basin of the Tombigbee River for navigation, water conservation and supply, flood control, irrigation, industrial development, public recreation and related purposes.

It is further the intention of the Legislature to authorize the issuance of general obligation bonds of the state herein provided for and to empower the said public corporation to supervise the sale of the said bonds and to expend the proceeds of the said bonds in discharging the duties and obligations which the said public corporation is authorized by this chapter to undertake.

This chapter shall be liberally construed in conformity with its purpose.

(Acts 1967, No. 264, p. 746, §2.)