Notwithstanding other provisions of law, the commissioner of environmental services shall expend such sums from the dam maintenance fund as are necessary for performance of work on state-owned dams and property associated with and contiguous to state-owned dam sites, as well as noncontiguous property, such as rainfall and stream gages, that is essential to the safe operation of the dam only in the following categories:
I. Minor projects and emergency repairs, including emergency action plans, which may be completed by force account methods by the department.
II. Repair projects, which may be completed by force account methods by the department on dams and property associated with and contiguous to state-owned dam sites, as well as noncontiguous property, such as rainfall and stream gages, that is essential to the safe operation of the dam, approved for acquisition by the legislature with the approval of governor and council.
III. Reconstruction projects, which shall be completed by contract construction or force account on dams and property associated with and contiguous to state-owned dam sites, as well as noncontiguous property, such as rainfall and stream gages, that is essential to the safe operation of the dam, approved for acquisition by the legislature with the approval of governor and council.