The board may acquire needed interest in property and provide for the cost of construction, alteration, repair, operation, and maintenance of a project with funds raised by special assessments. The board may issue improvement bonds in anticipation of the levy and collection of special assessments. If the board decides to acquire property or interests in property to construct, operate, alter, repair, or maintain a project with funds raised in whole or in part through special assessments, the assessments must be apportioned to and spread in proportion to direct benefits accruing to lands or premises benefited by the project. The board shall assess the proportion of the cost of the project, or the part of the cost to be financed with funds raised through levy and collection of special assessments which any lot, piece, or parcel of land bears in proportion to the direct benefits accruing to the property that is benefited.