(a) An authority may research, study, and experiment on the subject of housing in its area of operation.
(b) An authority may investigate housing conditions and methods of improving housing conditions in its area of operation.

(c) An authority may determine where there is a slum area or a shortage of decent, safe, and sanitary housing available to persons of low income in its area of operation.
(d) An authority may make studies and recommendations relating to the problems of clearing, replanning, and reconstructing slum areas and of providing housing for persons of low income in its area of operation.