A. The Legislature declares it to be necessary for the public health and welfare to provide a means for municipalities in this state to implement measures to reduce losses from flood disasters. The acquisition of real property for this objective shall constitute a public purpose for which public funds may be expended.

B. Municipalities are empowered and authorized to acquire fee title to real property and easements therein by purchase, gift, devise, lease or otherwise for flood control.

C. Title information, appraisal reports, offers, and counteroffers are confidential until an option contract is executed or, if no option contract is executed, until thirty (30) days before a contract or agreement for purchase is considered for approval by the governing board of the municipality. However, each municipality may, at its discretion, disclose appraisal reports to private landowners during negotiations for acquisitions using alternatives to fee simple techniques, if the municipality determines that disclosure of such reports will bring the proposed acquisition to closure. In the event that negotiation is terminated by the municipality, the title information, appraisal report, offers, and counteroffers shall become available to the public.

D. Real property acquired for the purposes enumerated in this section may also be used for recreational purposes, and whenever practicable such real property shall be open to the general public for recreational uses. Except when prohibited by a covenant or other restriction, real property managed and controlled by the municipality may be used for multiple purposes, including, but not limited to, agriculture and silviculture, as well as boating and other recreational uses.

E. The provisions of this section shall not limit the exercise of similar powers delegated by statute to any state or political subdivision of this state.

Added by Laws 1999, c. 57, § 12, eff. July 1, 1999.