(a) The authority may seek and accept from any source a contribution to an authority fund for the purpose of funding:
(1) necessary studies;
(2) engineering and other services; and
(3) the collection and computation of data respecting regional and general conditions that influence the character and extent of the improvements necessary to effect the authority’s purposes to the greatest public advantage.
(b) A grant or gratuity shall be strictly accounted for and is subject to the same rules and orders applicable to other money the authority handles or disburses.