To insure that all of the various persons and entities having an interest in the water resources of the state and the programs of the chapter are provided with a full opportunity for involvement not only with the development of the program but the implementation by the department under this chapter, the following directions are given:

(1) The department shall make reasonable efforts to inform the people of the state about the state's water and related resources and their management. The department in the performance of the responsibilities provided in this chapter shall not only invite but actively encourage participation by all persons and private groups and entities showing an interest in water resources programs of this chapter.

(2) The department shall similarly invite and encourage participation by all agencies of federal, state and local government, including counties, municipal and public corporations, having interests or responsibilities relating to water resources. Said state and local agencies are directed to fully participate to insure that their interests are considered by the department. The department shall, when funds are made available to it for such purposes, provide assistance grants to said state and local agencies for the purposes of financing activities directed to be performed by them under this subsection.