Whenever the Chief of Engineers shall find that any highway, railway, or utility has been or is being damaged or destroyed by reason of the operation of any dam or reservoir project under the control of the Department of the Army, he may utilize any funds available for the construction, maintenance, or operation of the project involved for the repair, relocation, restoration, or protection of such highway, railway, or utility: Provided, That this section shall not apply to highways, railways, and utilities previously provided for by the Department of the Army, unless the Chief of Engineers determines that the actual damage has or will exceed that for which provision had previously been made.