(a) Nothing in this subchapter shall be so construed as to impair or restrict the right of any municipality, drainage district, water district, county, or other political subdivision or agency of this state to cooperate with the United States or any department or agency thereof with respect to planning water development projects, nor to impair or prevent the consummation of any contract between local interests and agencies of the federal government respecting any existing or planned water development project as of August 7, 1969, by requiring any other or additional assurances, approvals, or contracting parties.
(b)
(1) Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to repeal, amend, alter, or affect any of the laws now governing levee or drainage districts or any of the powers, functions, and duties of the respective boards of any levee or drainage district in this state.
(2) However, each levee or drainage district shall file with the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission a copy of any preliminary survey or report for any water development project being undertaken by the levee or drainage district as provided in § 15-22-503 and may otherwise cooperate with the commission under the provisions of this subchapter.