In addition to its powers and duties under chapters 37 and 43 of this title, the Department of Environmental Conservation, when requested by local agencies, and acting alone or with other State or local agencies, with the approval of the Governor, may contract in the name of the State for constructing, maintaining, and operating improvements for flood prevention or conserving, developing, using, and disposing of water under Public Law 83-566. The Department of Environmental Conservation may also give technical or other assistance to natural resources conservation districts and other local sponsoring agencies in carrying out their responsibilities under section 4 of Public Law 83-566. The Commissioner of Environmental Conservation may also acquire real and personal property, including property held for public use, by gift, purchase, lease, or eminent domain, in connection with constructing or carrying out projects under Public Law 83-566. (Amended 1961, No. 100, § 2; 1966, No. 27 (Sp. Sess.), § 2, eff. March 12, 1966; 1967, No. 303 (Adj. Sess.), § 15(b), eff. March 22, 1968; 1981, No. 222 (Adj. Sess.), § 15; 1987, No. 76, § 18.)