87-1-222. Construction and maintenance of fish hatcheries and fish ladders. (1) The department shall furnish plans for, direct, and compel the construction, installation, and repair of fish ladders upon dams and other obstructions in streams. The fish ladders shall be installed and maintained at the expense of the owners of the dam or other obstruction.

(2) The department may purchase and maintain, at the expense of the state fish and game fund, suitable fish screens, fish wheels, or other devices to install in irrigating ditches to prevent fish entering said ditches.

(3) The department may locate, lay out, construct, and maintain nurseries and rearing ponds where fry can be planted, propagated, and reared to be distributed in the waters of this state. The department may spend from fish and game funds sums necessary for this purpose.