The Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection may (a) acquire, by purchase, lease or gift, or by eminent domain in the manner provided by part I of chapter 835, such land, easements or rights-of-way as will be needed in connection with works of improvement under sections 22a-318 to 22a-322, inclusive, provided the power of eminent domain shall not extend to property owned or used by public service companies, as defined in § 16-1, (b) allocate funds as the state’s share of the cost of such works of improvement, (c) make such agreements with the Secretary of Agriculture as are necessary to obtain federal assistance under said Public Law 566, as amended, and (d) borrow funds from the Secretary of Agriculture as provided for in said Public Law 566, as amended, to finance the local share of costs of carrying out works of improvement. The commissioner shall have charge of the construction, operation and maintenance of such works of improvement, and the state shall retain title to any structures erected as provided by sections 22a-318 to 22a-322, inclusive, with the exception of those lands or works of improvement for recreational or fish and wildlife development. The commissioner may enter into agreements with towns, cities or boroughs within the watershed area for the construction, operation and maintenance of works of improvement for recreational or fish and wildlife developments, and may convey title to any structure erected therefor.