Section 15-0315. Relations with other governmental bodies and agencies

1.  In  order  to adequately protect the interests of the state in its
  water resources, the department is hereby authorized to:
    a. Cooperate with the appropriate agencies of the  federal  government
  or  this  or  other states, or any interstate bureau, group, division or
  agency with respect to the use of water from lakes,  ponds,  rivers  and
  streams,  which are without or wholly or partially contained within this
  state, and to endeavor to harmonize any conflicting claims  which  might
  arise therefrom.
    b.  Appear,  represent  and  act  for  the  state  in  respect  to any
  proceeding before either a federal or state governmental body or  agency
  where  the  water resources of the state may be affected, and may do and
  perform such acts in connection therewith as it deems proper to  protect
  the interests of the state.
    c.  Present  for  the consideration of the Congress or officers of the
  federal government, as occasion requires, the just rights of  the  state
  in  relation  to  its  waters  and  institute  and prosecute appropriate
  actions and proceedings to secure such rights, and defend any action  or
  proceeding calculated to impair such rights.
    2.  The  department  is designated as the agent of the state to obtain
  the cooperation, aid and assistance of any appropriate federal  agencies
  in the performance of the functions of the department or of any regional
  planning  and  development board created under title 11 of this article.
  The department may enter into contracts, when required,  with  any  such
  federal agencies for such purposes. Wherever it is required by a federal
  statute,  rule  or regulations that such cooperation, aid and assistance
  be given on a matching-funds basis, the department, if funds  have  been
  appropriated  and  are available therefor, is designated as the agent of
  the state to enter into contracts on said basis; provided, however, that
  payment by the state shall not exceed one-half of  the  cost,  including
  personal  service, of the services rendered by the federal agencies. All
  contracts entered into by  the  department  shall  be  executed  by  its
  commissioner and in the manner and form prescribed by law.