(a)      The Commission may condemn land and easements necessary in the construction of levees and other flood control works, if in its judgment it is necessary to provide for flood control within the metropolitan district. The condemnation proceedings shall be in accordance with the general powers elsewhere provided in this article. The Commission may assume all damages incident to any flood control works or improvements which it finds necessary to construct, except damages to land and easements of railroads or other public utilities. The Commission also may agree to furnish, without cost to the United States or any agency thereof, all lands and easements which may be needed in the construction of any flood control works or improvements, and it may agree to take over, operate, and maintain the works when constructed.

      (b)      The Commission may use for park purposes the lands acquired for flood control and navigation projects as provided in Article 29, §§ 13-101 and 13-102 of the Code.