The state water resources board established pursuant to Kan. Stat. Ann. § 1977 Supp. 74-2605 et seq., is hereby designated as the state agency for bank stabilization projects. From and after the effective date of this act, all bank stabilization projects which involve more than one political subdivision of the state, shall receive approval of the state board and be included in the state water plan before work shall commence thereon, but this provision shall not affect any project which has been approved or on which work was commenced prior thereto. The designated state agency shall cooperate with federal agencies on any projects initiated and shall aid in initiation of projects it shall approve.