1. The repeal of article 4, chapter 41, RSMo 1909, shall not have the effect of suspending, abating, abridging, impairing, vitiating, or nullifying any right, power, remedy, or lien heretofore given, created or conferred upon any drainage district heretofore organized or in process of organization at the time of passage of this chapter, under any law of this state, but all such rights, powers, remedies and liens are hereby directly preserved to all such drainage districts; nor shall the repealing of existing laws have the effect of suspending, abridging, abating or nullifying any proceeding or proceedings now pending in any court of this state or of the United States; nor shall the repealing of existing laws have the effect of impairing, invalidating, discharging, changing, modifying or destroying any obligation, contract or undertaking, entered into by, or with any drainage district now organized and existing under any law in this state, but all such obligations, contracts and undertakings so entered into shall be and remain inviolate.

2. All rights, powers, liens and remedies now existing in behalf of any drainage district of this state may be enforced and made available under the provisions of this chapter, if applicable, at the election of the drainage district. This chapter is hereby declared to be remedial in character and purposes, and shall be liberally construed by the courts in carrying out this legislative intent and purpose.