Notwithstanding the plans and specifications of state water commission project no. 1736, as authorized in this chapter, the state water commission is hereby authorized to investigate the integration of rural water delivery into the southwest pipeline project, state water commission project no. 1736. If the commission determines that construction cost savings, operation and maintenance cost savings, operation efficiencies, and other advantages can be realized by incorporating water supply, distribution, and delivery into one entire system, and that such benefits and advantages outweigh any additional costs or disadvantages, the commission shall plan, design, integrate, incorporate, construct, operate, and maintain the southwest pipeline     project and rural water delivery as one system. The exercise of this authority must be in the manner and time as the commission may deem appropriate.