(a) The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission is authorized and empowered on behalf of the state to:
(1) Cooperate with the United States Department of Defense in every way contemplated by any of the acts of the United States Congress passed in connection with flood control on any of the streams in Arkansas; and
(2) Make necessary application for allotment or assistance from the federal government, to submit all project statements, surveys, plans, specifications, and estimates and other reports or information required by the constituted federal authority, and to enter into all necessary contracts with the proper federal authorities in order to secure the full cooperation of the United States Government and the benefits of all present and future allotments in aid of flood control.
(b)
(1) However, the jurisdiction and authority of the commission shall not extend to the works, improvements, nor to the territory embraced within any levee district or drainage district now existing or hereafter organized.
(2) All of the limitations and reservations in favor of such levee districts or drainage districts apply as set out in § 15-24-102(c).
(3)
(A) Any levee district or drainage district may voluntarily contract with the United States Government or any of its agencies of whatsoever nature and may contract voluntarily with the commission created in this chapter, subject to court approval and recordation as set out in § 15-24-102, to the extent only as the governing board of each individual levee district or drainage district may deem proper.
(B) This chapter shall not require approval by the commission of any application, petition, contract, improvements, legal proceedings, or any other proceedings whatsoever as to the territory within the boundaries of any levee district or drainage district or to any official act of any levee district or drainage district.