Nothing in this act shall be construed so as to prohibit the department from developing facilities on any State-owned land within a component river area of the system to provide for the public welfare, including recreational use and enjoyment of such area; provided, however, that such facilities shall be consistent with the relevant classification of the river area and with rules and regulations promulgated by the department or a local commission pursuant to this act.
N.J.S. § 13:8-54