District as political subdivision and budgetary unit; purpose; free use of water by municipalities of Ruston and Farmerville

The Bayou D'Arbonne Lake Watershed District shall be a political subdivision of the State of Louisiana and a budgetary unit of the State of Louisiana, which shall have as its purpose the conservation of soil and water, developing the natural resources and wealth of the district for sanitary, agricultural and recreational purposes, as the same may be conducive to the public health, safety, convenience or welfare or of public utility or benefit. The creation of the Bayou D'Arbonne Lake within the said district as hereinafter authorized shall be for the purpose of conserving the soil and water and developing the natural resources and wealth of the district for sanitary, agricultural or recreational purposes, as the same may be conducive to the public health or public utility or benefit. The municipalities of Ruston and Farmerville are hereby authorized to draw upon and use any water resources or water supply of Bayou D'Arbonne Lake for the benefit and consumption of the residents of those municipalities and such other persons who may use or be served by the water supply system of those municipalities. No charge therefor shall be assessed against said municipalities or any persons served by them. The board of commissioners of the Bayou D'Arbonne Lake Watershed District shall comply and cooperate with said municipalities in their exercise of the authority granted herein.