The selection, management, and disposal of the land referred to in ORS § 555.010 shall be vested in the Water Resources Commission. The commission may employ necessary assistance, purchase material and supplies, and shall have charge and control of all reclamation work undertaken, contracted for, or initiated by the State Land Board prior to the passage of chapter 226, Oregon Laws 1909, or by the Desert Land Board prior to the passage of chapter 434, Oregon Laws 1927, and of the reclamation companies which were operating under either of those boards.