(2) In addition to any other powers granted by law, including without limitation the powers granted under ORS 456.548 to 456.725, the Housing and Community Services Department may do any of the following:

(a) Enter into agreements to finance the costs of an eligible housing project by lending the proceeds of bonds authorized under ORS 456.645 (1) to any qualified housing sponsor under such terms and with such security as the department may approve. However, notwithstanding ORS 456.645 (2), the proceeds of bonds described in this paragraph need not be placed in the Housing Finance Fund and bonds described in this paragraph need not be payable as to principal, redemption premium, if any, and interest from the revenues, assets or funds in the Housing Finance Fund. In addition, bonds described in this paragraph to finance eligible housing projects are not subject to ORS 456.655 and 456.661.

(b) Lease and sublease eligible housing projects to a qualified housing sponsor so that rents to be charged for the use of such projects are established, and revised from time to time as necessary, to produce income and revenue sufficient to provide for the prompt payment when due of principal and interest on all bonds described in paragraph (a) of this subsection. A lease shall provide that the lessee be required to pay all expenses of the operation and maintenance of the project including, but without limitation, adequate insurance on the project and insurance against all liability for injury to persons or property arising from the operation of the project. The lease shall also provide that the lessee pay all taxes and special assessments levied upon or with respect to the leased premises and payable during the term of the lease and that during the term of the lease the lessee shall pay ad valorem taxes in the same amount and to the same extent as though the lessee were the owner of all real and personal property comprising the project.

(c) Pledge and assign to the holders of bonds described in paragraph (a) of this subsection or a trustee therefor all or any part of the revenues of one or more eligible housing projects owned or to be acquired by the state, and define and segregate such revenues or provide for the payment thereof to a trustee.

(d) Mortgage or otherwise encumber eligible housing projects in favor of the holders of bonds described in paragraph (a) of this subsection or a trustee therefor.

(e) Make all contracts, execute and deliver all instruments and do all things necessary or convenient in the exercise of the powers granted by this section, or in the performance of its covenants or duties, or in order to secure the payment of bonds described in paragraph (a) of this subsection. The authority granted under this paragraph includes a contract entered into prior to the construction, acquisition and installation of the eligible housing project authorizing the lessee, subject to such terms and conditions as the state finds necessary or desirable and proper, to provide for the construction, acquisition and installation of the buildings, improvements and equipment to be included in the project by any means available to the lessee and in the manner determined by the lessee.

(f) Enter into and perform such contracts and agreements with qualified housing sponsors as the respective boards of directors may consider proper and feasible for or concerning the planning, construction, installation, lease or other acquisition, and the financing of the facilities of an eligible housing project. The contracts and agreements may establish a body as may be considered proper for the supervision and general management of the facilities.

(g) Accept from an authorized agency of the federal government loans or grants for the planning, construction, acquisition, leasing or other provision of an eligible housing project and enter into agreements with that agency respecting the loans or grants.

(h) Execute and deliver letters of credit, municipal bond insurance or other credit enhancement agreements supporting and securing bonds described in paragraph (a) of this subsection. [2001 c.689 §2]