(a) A county may establish and maintain a county watershed improvement program pursuant to G.S. 139-41 or 139-41.1 and for these purposes may appropriate funds not otherwise limited as to use by law. A county watershed improvement program or project may also be financed pursuant to G.S. 153A-301, G.S. 153A-185 or by any other financing method available to counties for this purpose.
(b) A county may establish and maintain drainage projects and water resources development projects (as those projects are defined by G.S. 153A-301) and for these purposes may appropriate funds not otherwise limited as to use by law. A county drainage project or water resources development project may also be financed pursuant to G.S. 153A-301, G.S. 153A-185, or by any other financing method available to counties for this purpose.