Acquisition of land by Larimer county authorized

(1) The general assembly finds and declares that it is in the best interests of the state for Larimer county to acquire certain properties in the floodplain areas of the Big Thompson canyon and the north fork thereof. In making such acquisitions, Larimer county shall be subject to the findings of the Colorado water conservation board with respect to the location of said floodplain areas. The county shall establish a recreation district pursuant to the provisions of this article for the purpose of making the acquisitions authorized and for the further purposes of the future management, control, and financing of all park and recreational areas developed following such acquisitions. In acquiring lands as authorized, the county and the recreation district shall seek primarily lands near inhabited areas which are unlikely to be the subject of direct acquisition by the federal forest service or other federal agency. (2) The division of parks and wildlife, as a part of its duties under section 33-10-108, C.R.S., shall undertake the duties of coordinating federal, state, and local efforts and contributions, in the development of the land acquired pursuant to this section, in order that the people of the state shall receive benefits from the park and recreational facilities thus acquired.