45-1709. General powers

The director and the authority, respectively, may:

1. Cooperate with the appropriate agencies or officials of the federal government and of the state and political subdivisions of the state to the end that the purposes of this article shall be realized.

2. Apply to the appropriate agencies or officials of the state and of the federal government, including the United States departments of energy and of the interior, for such licenses, permits, easements and such other approvals or authorizations as may be necessary or advisable and accept the same upon such terms and conditions as may be deemed appropriate.

3. Accept any gifts or any grant or advance of funds or property from the federal government or from the state or any other federal or state public body or political subdivision or any other person and comply with the terms and conditions thereof.

4. Fix and establish the prices, rates, rents and charges for water and power delivered or produced by the projects authorized by this article.

5. Retain and employ engineering, accounting, legal, financial and other private consultants on a contract basis for rendering professional and technical assistance and advice.

6. Promote, foster and encourage the use, development, protection and conservation of water and power.

7. Institute and maintain actions and proceedings necessary to enforce, maintain, protect or preserve all rights, privileges or immunities created or granted by this article or otherwise in pursuance thereof, and in all courts, actions and proceedings the director or authority may sue, appear and defend in person in their respective names.

8. Enter into contracts and agreements and do all things which are necessary or convenient for the effectuation of the state water and power plan.

9. Exercise all the powers necessary or convenient to carry out and effectuate the purposes and provisions of this article, and as incidental thereto, own, lease, construct, operate, maintain and dispose of real and personal property of every kind and character, acquire real and personal property and any or every interest therein for its lawful purposes by purchase, lease, condemnation or otherwise, and generally do anything and everything necessary or convenient to carry out the purposes of this article. The authority may not at any time pledge the credit of the state nor shall any of its obligations or securities be deemed to be obligations of the state.

10. Be specifically charged with the responsibility to begin immediate studies and continue them in an effort to determine alternate ways and means to finance and fund the construction of the central Arizona project and bring those studies to the legislature so that this water project may be constructed at the earliest possible time.