Section 15-2505. Powers of the department

Nothing  in  title  25  of  this  article shall be held to curtail the
  powers of the department as to river or drainage  work  within  a  river
  regulating district prior to the time that such district is charged with
  the  powers  and  duties above set forth as to river or drainage work or
  both, nor in any event shall the powers of the department under sections
  15-1945 and 15-1957 be curtailed or changed. Should  the  department  at
  any time form or have formed a river or drainage improvement district in
  a  basin  now  or  subsequently formed into a river regulating district,
  which district is later given the extended powers herein provided,  such
  river  or  drainage  improvement  district  shall  become a sub-district
  administered by the board. In such cases, all  outstanding  indebtedness
  and  financial  liabilities of the district shall remain undisturbed and
  not in anywise altered by the transfer and shall be met by the board.