Subject to prior attainment of consent from the local sponsors, the Department may make agreements with any agency of the United States Government for the formulation of plans, the acquisition of rights-of-way, and the construction, operation and maintenance of any flood control and other water resource improvements and facilities in connection with the development of the Blue Waters Ditch segment of the East St. Louis and Vicinity Interior Flood Control Project. The Department’s agreements with the United States Government may include general indemnification provisions as required by federal statutes for nonfederal sponsorship of water resources projects.