§155-33 Powers of the department. The department shall have the following powers:
(1) Make loans and expend funds to finance the purchase or installation of water infrastructure equipment for dams, reservoirs, hydroelectric pumping, storm water reclamation, ditch maintenance, spillways, wells, water ducts, water distribution systems, and water tanks;
(2) Hold and invest moneys in the water infrastructure special fund in investments as permitted by law;
(3) Hire employees necessary to perform its duties;
(4) Enter into contracts for the service of consultants for rendering professional and technical assistance and advice, and any other contracts that are necessary and proper for the implementation of the loan program;
(5) Enter into contracts for the administration of the loan program, in accordance with chapter 103D;
(6) Establish loan program guidelines to carry out the purposes of this part;
(7) Perform all functions necessary to effectuate the purposes of this part;
(8) Delegate authority to the chairperson of the board of agriculture to approve loans where the requested amount plus any principal balance on existing loans to the applicant does not exceed $25,000 of state funds; and
(9) Adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 necessary for the purpose of this part. [L 2016, c 171, pt of §1; am L 2017, c 133, §3]