The board shall conduct a study and survey of the groundwater resources in the district, including but not limited to consideration of what is necessary or advisable to conserve groundwater resources and where appropriate, prevent or alleviate damaging or potentially damaging drawdowns, land surface subsidence, and groundwater quality degradation.  For this purpose, the board shall hold hearings and may:

(1)  Cooperate with and enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with other governmental units and agencies of this state, with governments and agencies of other states and of the United States, and with private agencies or other groundwater conservation districts for the achievement of the purposes of this Part.

(2)  Receive and expend funds from any source, public or private, for the achievement of the purposes of this Part.

(3)  Hire such personnel and retain such consultants as shall be reasonably necessary to the performance of its functions.  Personnel from other agencies shall be used wherever practical and possible.

(4) Advise and consult with the commissioner of conservation and the Water Resources Commission on matters that impact water resources within the board’s jurisdiction.

Acts 1999, No. 1228, §1; Acts 2003, No. 49, §2, eff. July 1, 2003; Acts 2012, No. 471, §2.