(1) A township abutting upon navigable waters in this state may acquire, construct, and maintain wharves, piers, docks, and landing places for the use and benefit of the public and may lease and control the wharves, piers, docks, and landing places. The township board shall act for the township in acquiring, constructing, and maintaining wharves, piers, docks, and landing places if authorized to do so by the affirmative vote of 3/5 of the registered voters of the township voting on the question at a general or special election.

    (2) Proceedings taken under this section shall be taken by the township board, which has the power and authority usually exercised by the board of county road commissioners of the township in acquiring land for laying out, constructing, and maintaining highways. The township board may acquire land for wharves, piers, docks, and landing places and lay out, construct, and maintain these in accordance with the same proceedings, so far as applicable, as are required to be taken by the board of county road commissioners of the township for acquiring land and constructing and maintaining highways. Act No. 283 of the Public Acts of 1909, being section 220.1 to 239.6 of the Michigan Compiled Laws, is extended to include wharves, piers, docks, and landing places, subject to the provisions contained in this section.