The Department of Natural Resources, subject to the approval of the Governor, is authorized to enter into agreements with the duly authorized representatives of the United States for the accomplishment by the United States of the following purposes:
     (a) The acquisition by the United States of the fee simple title, or such lesser title or interest in specific tracts which shall be determined and mutually agreed upon in writing by the United States and the Department of Natural Resources to be sufficient to effectuate the purpose and intent of this Act and approved by the Attorney General prior to acquisition by the United States, in and to the lands in the lake (known as Sinnissippi Lake) created by the Government dam constructed across Rock River between Sterling and Rock Falls, Illinois, and over which the United States now has flowage rights or easements, and in and to all other lands upon which the United States has rights or easements used for the purpose of and appurtenant to the operation of the Federal project known as the Hennepin Canal (which lake, canals, and appurtenances thereto are referred to collectively in this Act as the Canal); the title to be acquired subject to the continuing right of access to Sinnissippi Lake by the riparian owners whose lands adjoin and abut the Lake;
     (b) To repair and modify the Canal in order to place the same in proper condition for public recreational use other than through-navigation; and
     (c) To convey and transfer to this State the property of the Canal and appurtenances thereto.