Any person, firm or corporation authorized and empowered to build, maintain and operate pipes, conduits, penstocks, tunnels and canals under section 931 is further authorized and empowered to exercise the right of eminent domain by taking and holding as for public uses in the manner and subject to the limitations prescribed in Title 35‑A, section 6502, such lands and rights-of-way as such person, firm or corporation may require for such purposes when the water which will be stored, retained and discharged through the use of such pipes, conduits, penstocks, tunnels and canals will be devoted to public uses. All proceedings relating to damages caused by the building, maintaining and operating of said pipes, conduits, penstocks, tunnels and canals shall be ascertained and determined in the same manner as prescribed in Title 35‑A, sections 6503 to 6512.   [PL 1987, c. 141, Pt. B, §37 (AMD).]