The board is responsible for the management of the corporation but shall delegate certain powers and duties to the chief executive officer in accordance with AS 42.40.120. In managing the corporation, the board shall
(1) be responsible for the management of the financial and legal obligations of the Alaska Railroad;
(2) operate the Alaska Railroad as a common carrier subject to the jurisdiction of the United States Surface Transportation Board consistent with 45 U.S.C. 1207;
(3) generally manage the corporation on a self-sustaining basis;
(4) apply to the legislature for an appropriation with the concurrence of the governor to be used to provide a particular service that is not otherwise self-sustaining if a subsidy is required to maintain that service;
(5) provide for safe, efficient, and economical transportation to meet the overall needs of the state;
(6) raise needed capital by issuing bonds of the corporation upon approval by the legislature while ensuring that borrowing by the corporation does not directly or indirectly endanger the state's own borrowing capacity;
(7) review all state and other land disposal proposals to aid in planning for future development or expansion of transportation services;
(8) ensure that the procurement procedures of the corporation meet accepted railroad industry standards;
(9) ensure that the accounting procedures of the corporation meet generally accepted accounting principles consistent with industry standards for comparable railroads.