In administering the provisions of this title the commissioner:

1. shall make an itemized estimate of funds or appropriations requested annually for inclusion in the executive budget;

2. may, in the name of the state, as further provided within this article, contract to make, within the limitations of appropriations available therefor, state assistance payments and loans toward the costs of an approved project. Such contracts shall be subject to approval by the state comptroller and, as to form, by the attorney general;

3. shall approve vouchers for the payments pursuant to an approved contract. All such payments shall be paid on the audit and warrant of the state comptroller; and

4. may perform such other and further acts as may be necessary, proper or desirable to carry out the provisions of this article.