DECD is hereby designated and empowered to act on behalf of the state in submitting a siting proposal for the project eligible for assistance under Sections 57-1-351 through 57-1-369. DECD is empowered to take all steps appropriate or necessary to effect the siting, development, and operation of the project within the state. If the state is selected as the preferred site for the project, DECD is hereby designated and empowered to act on behalf of the state and to represent the state in the planning, financing, development, construction and operation of the project or any facility related to the project, with the concurrence of the affected public agency. DECD may take affirmative steps to coordinate fully all aspects of the submission of a siting proposal for the project and, if the state is selected as the preferred site, to coordinate fully, with the concurrence of the affected public agency, the development of the project or any facility related to the project with private business, the United States government and other public agencies. All public agencies are encouraged to cooperate to the fullest extent possible to effectuate the duties of DECD; however, the development of the project or any facility related to the project by DECD may be done only with the concurrence of the affected public agency.