Section 464A.11. Water trails and low head dam public hazard statewide plan.

  1.  The department shall establish a water trails and low head dam public hazard program.

  2.  In administering the water trails and low head dam public hazard program, the department shall conduct a study of waterways for recreational purposes and develop a statewide plan by March 31, 2010. Elements of the plan shall include but not be limited to:

  a.  Compiling an inventory of low head dams, including a listing of those low head dams, for the purposes of publicizing hazards through maps and warning signage.

  b.  Seeking input from the public and experts in various fields, including fisheries, rescue professionals, water recreation, river management, public utilities conservation, and landscape architecture, to be used in the recreation and safety components of the plan.

  c.  Developing standard recommendations for local communities including signage system and placement guidelines, boating access type, placement and construction guidelines, and volunteer recommendations for communities.

  d.  Recommending design templates for low head dams to reduce incidents of drowning.

  e.  With input from stakeholders, developing criteria for prioritizing removal or modification of low head dams.

  f.  With input from stakeholders, developing criteria for prioritizing development of water trails.

  3.  The department may contract with a university or private consultant in order to assist with development of the plan.

2008 Acts, ch 1069, §1, 2

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2009 Acts, ch 144, §14

Appropriation of funds;

2008 Acts, ch 1178, §19

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2009 Acts, ch 184, §1, 4, 19, 28

;

2013 Acts, ch 142, §45, 52