The department may carry on topographic surveys and investigations into matters pertaining to the water resources of the State along the lines of hydrography, hydroeconomics, and the use and distribution of water for agricultural purposes, and to that end, where possible and to the best interest of the State, shall enter into contracts for cooperation with the different departments of the Federal Government. The department, with the consent of the Governor, may maintain and continue such surveys and investigations where there is available money not covered by cooperative contract.

(Enacted by Stats. 1943, Ch. 368.)