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Show METHODS OF APPROPRIATING WATER OF WATERCOURSES 415 public interest for the purpose of acting on applications for permits, the Commissioner of Natural Resources shall consider: (1) the benefit to the applicant resulting from the proposed appropria- tion; (2) the effect of the economic activity resulting from the proposed appropriation; (3) the effect on fish and game resources and on public recreational opportunities; (4) the effect on public health; (5) the effect of loss of alternate uses of water that might be made within a reasonable time if not precluded or hindered by the proposed appropria- tion; (6) harm to other persons resulting from the proposed appropriation; (7) the intent and ability of the applicant to complete the appropriation; and (8) the effect upon access to navigable or public waters.924 The Commissioner may issue a permit subject to terms, conditions, restrictions, and limitations he considers necessary to protect the public interest and the rights of others, although permits shall be subject to termination only as provided in the act.925 (10) In summary. An application to appropriate water for any project the fulfilment of which threatens to be detrimental to the safety, health, and general welfare of the public should be rejected. Conversely, an application that meets all formal requirements and that appears to be conducive to the public interest or public welfare should be approved. Matters stated in the foregoing legislative and judicial declarations governing approval and rejection of permits, as conducive to the public welfare, fall generally into the following categories: Effective conservation of the State's natural water resources, including prevention of wasteful and other undesirable uses of water. Control of water resources for all beneficial purposes, including consumptive uses, drainage, sanitation, flood prevention. Maximum economic development of water resources. Utilization of water by projects that are feasible, economic, and financially sound. Effectuation of the State water policy, and of specific general and coordinated water resources plans. Availability of water for appropriation. And protection of all rights to the use of water, both perfected and inchoate. Qualified and limited right.-\f a proposed project appears to the State administrator to be somewhat less than wholly desirable, but to have potential 924 Alaska Stat. §46.15.G80(b) (Supp. 1966). 925Id. §46.15.100. |