Wat. Code, § 8619

In case any land, right of way, or easement is needed and is required to be provided free of cost to the State or the United States for any work of channel excavation, enlargement, rectification or control, or for the construction of any weir, which is a part of the plan and is to be done or constructed in whole or in part by the United States or by the State, the board may:

(a) Acquire the land, right of way, or easement and cause it to be conveyed to the United States or to the State free of cost.

(b) Cause the land, right of way, or easement to be condemned for the use and in the name of the United States or the State in the manner provided by the laws of this State or of the United States.

(c) Pay the cost and expense of acquiring the land, right of way, or easement out of the funds of any assessment by the board applicable thereto.

(d) If the land, right of way, or easement has been already acquired by the board in the name of the drainage district, the board may cause it to be conveyed by the district to the United States or to the State free of cost.