(1) Upon the failure of any parties having contracts with the state for the construction of irrigation works, to begin the same within the time specified by the contract, or to complete the same within the time or in accordance with the specifications of the contract with the state, to the satisfaction of the Water Resources Commission, the commission shall give the parties written notice of such failure. If after a period of 60 days from the sending of such notice they have failed to proceed with the work or to conform to the specifications of their contract with the state, or secure an extension of time, their contract and all works constructed thereunder shall be at once forfeited to the state.

(2) In case of any forfeiture, cancellation, or relinquishment of any contract to the state, the commission shall so declare and give notice once each week, for four weeks, in some newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the work is situated, and in one newspaper at the state capital in like manner and for a like period, of the forfeiture, cancellation, or relinquishment of the contract, and that upon a fixed day proposals will be received at the office of the commission for purchase of the incompleted works and for completion of the irrigation works in accordance with plans, specifications and other conditions prescribed by the commission, the time for receiving bids to be at least 60 days subsequent to the issuing of the last notice of forfeiture. The money received by the commission from sale of the partially completed works under the provisions of this section shall first be applied to the expenses incurred by the state in their forfeiture and disposal, and the surplus, if any exists, shall be paid to the original contractors with the state.