The establishing of proper works of improvement for the drainage of wet, swamp and overflowed lands of the state and for flood prevention or the conservation, development, utilization and disposal of water within the state is declared to promote the public health, to aid agriculture and to be in the interest of the public welfare and convenience. The State Soil and Water Conservation Committee is hereby charged with the duty of cooperating with persons desiring to form water management districts and of aiding and advising in such development.