85-1-215. Department duties -- records and operations. The department shall keep accounting records of each project and by July 1 of each year prepare a financial statement showing the financial status of each project. All books and papers pertaining to matters provided for in this chapter shall at all reasonable times be open to the inspection of an interested party or citizen of the state. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the department has full charge and control of the construction, operation, and maintenance of the works and the collection of all rates, charges, and revenue from them. The department shall proceed immediately with the construction of the works as soon as funds are made available and shall complete the works as rapidly as possible.