(1) The commissioner, for the people of the State of New Jersey, shall acquire any property or interest therein necessary for purposes connected with the flood control project by gift, devise or purchase, or by condemnation in the manner provided by the “Eminent Domain Act of 1971,” (P.L.1971, c. 361; C. 20:3-1 et seq.). (2) Awards and judgments after condemnation proceedings shall be paid out of State treasury from moneys appropriated for purposes connected with flood control projects. (3) The expense of such acquisitions including the cost of making surveys, and preparing descriptions and maps of property to be acquired, serving notices of appropriation, making appraisals and agreements and of searches ordered and examinations and readings of title, and expenses incurred by the commissioner or Attorney General in proceedings for removal of owners and occupants, shall be deemed part of the cost of such flood control projects. (4) Notwithstanding the provisions of any general, special or local law, the commissioner, his officers or agents, and the officers, agents or contractor of the United States when engaged on flood control projects, may enter upon property for the purpose of making surveys, test pits, test borings, or other investigations. Claim for any damage caused by such work may be adjusted by agreement by the commissioner without taking such property, and payment shall be made in like manner as provided in this act for property taken for flood control purposes. L.1948, c. 351, p. 1413, s. 9. Amended by L.1979, c. 358, s. 8, eff. Jan. 31, 1980.