The State Conservation Commission shall perform the following functions and duties with respect to watershed projects:
(1) Review proposed applications for watershed planning assistance under the Federal Watershed and Flood Prevention Act (P.L. 566, 83rd Congress), as amended to January 1, 2013;(2) Develop policies and procedures for processing such applications in accordance with state law and policies;(3) Conduct field examination of watersheds with all state and federal agencies and other groups having an interest in development of watersheds;(4) Determine physical feasibility of proposals for watershed projects;(5) Recommend priorities for watershed planning assistance under federal P. L. 566;(6) Make recommendations concerning all applications for planning assistance under federal P. L. 566, to the Board of Water and Natural Resources for consideration in official actions on behalf of the State of South Dakota;(7) Assist, counsel, and advise conservation district supervisors in the organization of watershed districts under this chapter;(8) Assist conservation districts within limits of appropriations and personnel with installation and maintenance of the land treatment phase of watershed projects.The Board of Water and Natural Resources is hereby designated the state agency to act on behalf of the State of South Dakota with respect to watershed projects in order to fulfill the provisions of the Federal Watershed and Flood Prevention Act (P.L. 566, 83rd Congress), as amended to January 1, 2013.