Notwithstanding any other provisions of Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 12639) and Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 12800), the policy set forth in this chapter shall apply to watershed protection and flood prevention projects under Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 12850), to small watershed projects approved by the State Conservationist of the United States Department of Agriculture, to small flood control projects authorized by Section 12750, and to flood control projects authorized by Congress and adopted and authorized by the Legislature pursuant to Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 12639). It is not the intent of this chapter to affect the responsibility for the maintenance and operation of those projects pursuant to the applicable provisions of law.