a. The department shall, as funds for these purposes are made available from time to time, take such measures as may be necessary to preserve, maintain, develop and improve the park in such manner and to such extent as, in its judgment, will best make it of use to the public. In the development of the park, the department shall have the power to install permanent improvements for the health and comfort of the public; provided, however, that the department shall take no such measures, nor install such improvements, unless the plans therefor shall have been submitted to and approved by the Delaware and Raritan Canal Commission, created pursuant to section 11 of this act.
b. Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law to the contrary, no building or structure, streets, bridges, parking areas, public transit lines, utilities, sewerage, and service-water supply facilities may be altered within the park unless the plans or specifications for the proposed alteration meet park standards to be adopted and promulgated by the department.