§ 483. General functions, powers and duties. The state office of rural
affairs 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 rural
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 review application procedures formulated by state agencies and
to recommend improvements designed to increase the cost-effectiveness of
such procedures for rural revitalization and development efforts; and to
enhance the probability such procedures will benefit rural areas.

6. To encourage the assistance of the private sector in effectuating
rural development and revitalization.

7. To provide legal consultation concerning local government matters
to officials of municipalities located in rural areas on a wide range of
problems and programs, including the exercise of home rule powers,
reapportionment of local legislative bodies, drafting and revising of
local laws including charters, and drafting and implementing of
municipal cooperation agreements. All such assistance shall be advisory
in nature, and shall not include the actual drafting of final legal
documents or the provision of actual legal representation.

8. 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.

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

10. To provide legal advice and assistance concerning rural
development and revitalization matters to officials of the executive
department and the legislature; and to analyze and make recommendations
concerning proposed new state legislation or programs that may affect
rural areas.

11. To apply for and receive, consistent with appropriation,
notification, and approval requirements of the state finance law, grants
or financial assistance from the federal government or other approved
agencies, individuals or corporations.

12. To adopt such rules and regulations, procedures, instructions, and
forms as are required to carry out the functions, powers and duties
imposed upon the office by this article.

13. 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.

14. 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 executive branch
of the state government for the benefit of rural areas.

15. 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.

16. To develop pilot programs or projects and make studies and
analyses of the problems or needs of rural areas and to make the results
thereof available for the benefit of such agencies as the director may
deem appropriate.

17. 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.

18. To consult with and cooperate with agencies and officers,
organizations, groups, and individuals representing rural areas or doing
rural development and revitalization in such manner as the director may
determine will effectively carry out the functions, powers, and duties
of the office.

19. To do all things necessary or convenient to carry out the
functions, powers, and duties expressly set forth in this section.