(a) The Department is responsible for developing and carrying out a long range program for controlling flood waters in the State. In addition, the Department shall cooperate with the federal and local governments to control State flood waters and serve in a liaison capacity to these governments in any flood control matter.

(b) The Department shall provide technical assistance to local governments and other State units to interpret flood information and draft local land use and other regulations pertaining to areas subject to flooding. It shall review plans for local public works and exercise regulatory control over them in or on waters of the State as provided in Subtitle 5 of this title. The Department shall administer financial assistance for flood control as funds for this purpose are made available.