Jordan Valley Development Law, 1988.

This Law provides for the establishment of the Valley Authority. The Law is composed of 42 articles. The Authority shall have the following functions: (a) develop water resources in the Jordan Valley; (b) carry out studies for the evaluation of water resources; (c) realize irrigation projects, soil survey and classification; (d) dispute settlement, construction of private and public wells; and, (e) develop and improve the environment and living conditions in the Valley (art. 3). The Authority shall be formed by the Minister of Water and Irrigation, Board of Directors, Secretary General and Executing Staff (art. 8). The Authority is to be considered an autonomous corporate body (art. 13). The Authority shall have the full authority in the allocation or usage of all surface or groundwater developed under its supervision (art. 18). All minerals whether on surface, underground or in waters shall be considered Government property. The Authority shall have the right to carry out expropriation of land in the Jordan Valley or in the basins of the Jordan River Tributaries (art. 21). The Minister of Water and Irrigation shall appoint a committee or committees called “Farmers Selection Committee” with the objective to assist in the selection of farm units or housing plots (art. 24). Article 38 concerns the protection of water resources in the Valley against pollution.