The state office of rural development, by and through the director or his duly authorized officers and employees, shall have the following functions, powers, and duties:

(1)  To serve as a clearinghouse and provide comprehensive information relating to rural development and revitalization upon request to any agency, individual, or corporation.

(2)  To advise and assist agencies, individuals, and corporations in answering particular rural revitalization and development needs, including cooperative efforts among such agencies, individuals, and corporations to solve common problems or provide services in these areas.

(3)  To receive notification from all state and federal agencies, individuals, or corporations engaged in rural development and revitalization of program descriptions, appropriation data, and application procedures.  The office shall maintain a listing of existing programs and advise local agencies, individuals, or corporations of their existence.

(4)  To assist, upon request, applicant local agencies, individuals, or corporations located in rural areas in obtaining timely and efficient responses from state and federal agencies; to assist such applicants in consideration of alternative program grant strategies; to assist state and federal agencies in cooperative approaches to address the needs of such applicants; and to provide technical assistance to agencies in formulating and implementing rural development and revitalization programs.

(5)  To encourage the assistance of the private sector in effectuating rural development and revitalization.

(6)  To assist the governor and the legislature in the integration and formulation of state rural development and revitalization policy and long-range plans for rural areas and in answering needs related thereto.

(7)  To facilitate efforts of local agencies, individuals, and corporations in developing cooperative responses to rural needs.  Personnel of the office may be available to participate in an advisory capacity at local meetings exploring such cooperative agreements; and may assist in the identification of appropriate state agencies and personnel who may be instrumental in facilitating such efforts.

(8)  To analyze and make recommendations concerning proposed new state legislation or programs that may affect rural areas.

(9)  To apply for and receive grants or financial assistance from the federal government, the state government, or other agencies, individuals, or corporations.

(10)  To adopt and promulgate such rules and regulations, procedures, instructions, and forms as are deemed necessary to implement the functions, powers, and duties imposed upon the office by this Chapter in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act.

(11)  To assist the governor in coordinating the activities and services of those departments and agencies of the state having relationships with local rural agencies, individuals, and corporations in order to provide more effective service to them and to simplify state procedures relating thereto.

(12)  To keep the governor informed about the problems and needs of agencies, individuals, and corporations that are involved with rural development and revitalization and to assist in formulating policies with respect thereto and utilizing the resources of the state government for the benefit of rural areas.

(13)  To refer local agencies, individuals, and corporations to the appropriate departments and agencies of the state and federal governments for advice, assistance, and available services in connection with particular rural development and revitalization problems or needs.

(14)  To encourage the expansion and improvement of in-service training opportunities and to make information available to officials of local agencies in rural areas on matters pertaining to rural development and revitalization.

(15)  To consult with and seek assistance from officials of federal and local agencies or corporations with respect to coordinating assistance programs for rural areas and to recommend to the governor and the legislature any policies or programs which would facilitate such coordination.

(16)  To do all things necessary or convenient to carry out the functions, powers, and duties expressly set forth in this Chapter.

Acts 1990, No. 216, §1; Acts 1991, No. 396, §2; Acts 1991, No. 449, §1; Acts 1997, No. 637, §1.