If the construction of the flood control and drainage works contemplated under any project is to be constructed upon, over, and across any highways of this state, the State Highway Commission is authorized, empowered, and directed to make and execute any and all contracts, easements, or other instruments in writing with the board of directors of any such district, the United States, the Secretary of the Army, Chief of Engineers of the United States Army, or any other federal agency for rights-of-way for levees, levee foundations, channel rectifications, reservoirs, reservoir sites, drainage canals, and flowage and storage rights thereon, in conformity with any act of Congress applicable.