In the opinion of the general assembly of the state of Colorado, the conservation of the water of the San Juan and Dolores rivers and their tributaries for storage, irrigation, mining, and manufacturing purposes and the construction of reservoirs, ditches, and works for the purpose of irrigation and reclamation of additional lands not yet irrigated, as well as to furnish a supplemental supply of water for lands now under irrigation, is of vital importance to the growth and development of the entire district and the welfare of all its inhabitants and that, to promote the health and general welfare of the state of Colorado, an appropriate agency for the conservation, use, and development of the water resources of the San Juan and Dolores rivers and their principal tributaries should be established and given such powers as may be necessary to safeguard for Colorado, all waters to which the state of Colorado is equitably entitled.L. 41: p. 866, § 1. CSA: C. 173B, § 56. CRS 53: § 149-9-1. C.R.S. 1963: § 150-8-1.