The board has the following powers:

1. (1) To accept, analyze, approve, and deny applications under this chapter.
2. (2) To contract with experts for advice and counsel.

3. (3) To employ staff to assist in carrying out this chapter, including the following:

   1. (A) Providing assistance to:

      1. (i) applicants that wish to apply for a grant or loan from the fund; and
      2. (ii) applicants that wish to submit a regional development plan for review and approval under section 10(d) of this chapter but that are not applying for a loan or grant from the fund.
   2. (B) Analyzing proposals.
   3. (C) Working with experts engaged by the board.
   4. (D) Preparing reports and recommendations for the board.

As added by P.L.237-2017, SEC.35.