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Show 624 OREGON b. WATER RESOURCES BOARD The water resources board is composed of seven members appointed by the Governor.56 This agency was created in 1955 as part of a legislative enactment which announced that it was State policy to provide for the proper utilization and control of the water resources of the State through a coordinated and integrated multipurpose water resource policy designed to secure the maximum beneficial use of water.57 The water resources board is to formulate a program, after sufficient investigation and study, to carry out this legislative policy.58 In developing this program, the board is required to take into con- sideration additional legislative declarations of policy which require a multipurpose approach to water development and utilization, and provide that a wide range of beneficial uses be evaluated in the plan- ning process.59 Subject to existing rights, the board may classify water sources according to their highest and best use and quantities of use, and may also designate preferences for future uses. Classification by the board has the effect of restricting the use and quantities of use of the unallocated water in accordance with the classification adopted.60 The policy statements which the board adopts pursuant to the statutory guidelines are binding upon every State agency and public corporation in carrying out their duties.61 Further, no agency is to exercise any function which is in conflict with the board's an- nounced water resources policy without obtaining the approval of the board.62 The board may withdraw any unappropriated water from appro- priation if it deems such action necessary to insure compliance with the State water resources policy or that it is otherwise necessary in the public interest to conserve the water resources of the State.63 Additional functions of the board include: Representing the State in preparing and carrying out interstate compacts and agreements;64 devising plans and programs to secure the maximum beneficial use from the development of the water resources of the State;65 under- taking water resource investigations and studies and coordinating the State's programs with the Federal Government, other States, and local agencies;66 and determining whether applications are in the public interest when requested to do so by the State engineer.67 C. OTHER PUBLIC AGENCIES The principal State agencies involved in water resource adminis- tration are the State engineer and the water resources board, whose 68 Sec. 536.230. B7Sec. 536.220. 68 See. 536.300. 69 Sec. 536.310. 60 Sec. 536.340. 61 Sees. 536.350 and 536.360. 82 Sees. 536.370 to 536.400. 6!» Sec. 536.410. «* Sec. 536.420. 65 Sec. 536.430. 88 Sees. 536.440, 536.450, and 536.470. •"See. 537.170. |