To promote development of rural areas of the state, the department is authorized to

1. (1) investigate social and economic conditions of rural areas to determine the need to expand economic opportunities and improve living conditions;
2. (2) formulate a coordinated program to broaden and diversify the economic base of rural areas;
3. (3) coordinate administration of emergency relief, surplus food distribution, or other public assistance programs, except the regular relief and assistance programs of the federal government in rural areas;
4. (4) formulate and conduct a program of construction of basic facilities to improve health, welfare, and economic security and provide employment and income in the rural areas;
5. (5) promote training and educational programs designed to expand employment opportunities for residents of rural areas;
6. (6) enter into agreements with other state agencies and departments to provide for the distribution in rural communities of surplus electrical power from state-owned power sources located in those communities and to expend funds for this purpose;
7. (7) make grants to communities for bulk fuel storage facilities;
8. (8) cooperate with the Department of Environmental Conservation and other agencies to provide technical assistance to communities in the installation, operation, and management of bulk fuel storage facilities.