For the purpose of acquiring necessary lands, easements or rights of way for maintenance, repairs or improvements of ditches in said drainage district or for construction or development of any new or additional drainage ditches, canals or dikes in said drainage district, and carrying out the provisions of this act, the board of county commissioners of said county may acquire the same by gift or by purchase or by the exercise of the right of eminent domain and there is hereby conferred upon the board of county commissioners of any such county the same rights of eminent domain as are now or may be hereafter conferred by law upon cities in the acquisition of lands for public purposes to be exercised in the manner set forth in Kan. Stat. Ann. §§ 26-501 to 26-516, inclusive.