The commission is hereby authorized and empowered:

(1) To hold meetings and hearings at such time and place as it may designate to accomplish the purposes set forth in this chapter;

(2) To elect such officers from its membership as it deems necessary;

(3) To join as a member of the national Mississippi River Parkway Commission and the Great River Road Commission and to pay such fees for its equal share of the planning program of the national commission; and

(4) To receive appropriations from the state of Missouri to act pursuant to this chapter.