The department shall prepare plans for and construct such works as its studies and investigations indicate to be necessary for beach erosion control and stabilization of beaches and shoreline areas, to the extent that funds are available therefor. In the preparation of such plans and construction of works therefor the department may cooperate by contract or otherwise with the Beach Erosion Board of the United States or with any other federal, state, county, or municipal agency, or with any or all such agencies, upon such terms and conditions and in such manner as will be for the best interests of the state.