Notwithstanding any of the provisions of Chapters 1 and 3 (commencing with Sections 12570 and 12800 respectively) of Part 6 of Division 6, the board may undertake immediate construction or reconstruction of a portion of a project at state expense, if the board determines that it is urgent to immediately construct or reconstruct a portion of an authorized flood control project because of damages resulting from the 1955–56 floods. Any funds heretofore or hereafter appropriated or allocated to the board for the acquisition of lands, easements, and rights of way may be used for the purposes specified in this section.