The state of Tennessee, its departments or agencies, or any governmental entity is hereby authorized, as required by the secretary of the army or the chief of engineers for projects for water resource development and conservation or other purposes, to agree to hold and save the United States free from damages due to the construction or operation and maintenance of such projects, except for damages due to the fault or negligence of the United States or its contractors.
T.C.A. § 69-1-201