14-125-108. Development of soil conservation program — Powers and duties of commission.

14-125-108. Development of soil conservation program — Powers and duties of commission. (a) The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission in cooperation with the land grant college in the state shall develop a program for soil conservation and for other purposes as provided for in this chapter, which shall be recognized as the state's policy in soil conservation. It may perform such acts, hold such public hearings, and promulgate such rules as may be necessary for the execution of its functions under this chapter. (b) The commission may employ technical experts and other agents and employees, permanent and temporary, as it may require, and shall determine their qualifications and duties. The commission may call upon the Attorney General of the state for the legal services it may require. It shall have authority to delegate to its chair, to one (1) or more of its members, or to one (1) or more agents or employees such powers and duties as it may deem proper. Upon request of the commission for the purpose of carrying out any of its functions, the supervising officer of any state agency, or of any state institution of learning may, insofar as may be possible under available appropriations, and having due regard to the needs of the agency to which the request is directed, assign or detail to the commission members of the staff or personnel of the agency or institution of learning, and make special reports, surveys, or studies as the commission may request. (c) In addition to the duties and powers hereinafter conferred upon the commission, it shall have the following duties and powers: (1) To offer such assistance as may be appropriate to the directors of soil conservation districts, organized as provided hereinafter, in the carrying out of any of their powers and programs; (2) To keep the directors of each of the several districts organized under the provisions of this chapter informed of the activities and experience of all other districts organized hereunder and to facilitate an interchange of advice and experience between the districts and cooperation between them; (3) To coordinate the programs of the several soil conservation districts organized hereunder so far as this may be done by advice and consultation; (4) To secure the cooperation and assistance of the United States and of any of its agencies, and of agencies of this state, in the work of the districts; (5) To disseminate information throughout the state concerning the activities and programs of the soil conservation districts organized hereunder and to encourage the formation of the districts in areas where their organization is desirable.