For the purpose of developing hydroelectric generation capabilities in connection with irrigation facilities, the board of directors of an irrigation district shall have the power, in accordance with procedures provided in this chapter, to acquire, either by purchase or condemnation, or other legal means, all lands, waters, water rights, and other property located within or outside the boundaries of the district necessary for the construction, use, supply, maintenance, repair, or improvement of hydroelectric facilities to the extent authorized by *RCW 87.03.015(1), as now or hereafter amended.

Irrigation districts are prohibited from condemning: (1) Any hydroelectric power plants, hydroelectric power sites, power lines or other power facilities or any lands, water rights, or other property of municipal and quasi municipal corporations, cooperatives authorized to engage in the business of distributing electricity, and electrical companies subject to the jurisdiction of the utilities and transportation commission; and (2) water rights held by private individual landowners where such waters are being put to beneficial use.

*Reviser's note: RCW 87.03.015 was amended by 2023 c 105 § 7, changing subsection (1) to subsection (1)(a).

Effective date—Severability—1979 ex.s. c 185: See notes following RCW 87.03.013.