If the proposed work of drainage or diversion will not result in injury or damage to any person and will not be otherwise detrimental to the public welfare but will result in economic benefit to the state, the Department of Natural Resources shall approve the same by endorsement thereon. It shall make a record of such endorsement thereon in some proper manner in its office. It shall also return the same so endorsed to the applicant. Such applicant shall, upon receipt thereof, be authorized to proceed with the work and to take such measures as may be necessary to its completion.