(a) The district may encourage state economic development as provided by this chapter, including making a loan or grant of public money for the purposes of this chapter.
(b) The district may encourage the economic development of the district by:
(1) fostering the growth of enterprises based on certain types of agriculture;
(2) stimulating innovation in certain agricultural enterprises;
(3) seeking to eliminate unemployment or underemployment in the state; and
(4) developing or expanding transportation resources.