Section 324.4702 - Department of natural resources; powers and dutiesThe department under this part has all of the following powers and duties:
(a) To foster and encourage the organization of sewage disposal and water supply districts, to act as the administrative agency in the proceedings incident to the formation of districts, and to offer and lend appropriate assistance to the directors of districts organized as provided in this part in the carrying out of any of their powers, functions, and programs.(b) To cooperate, negotiate, and enter into contracts with the other governments, governmental units and agencies in matters concerning water supply systems and sewage disposal systems; to take steps and perform acts and execute documents as may be necessary to take advantage of any act enacted by the congress of the United States that may make available funds for any of the purposes enumerated in this part or be otherwise of assistance in carrying out the purposes of this part; to disburse money that may be appropriated by the legislature for the use and benefit of the districts created under this part or municipalities or local units of government of this state in accordance with the formula prescribed in this part or in the acts of appropriation; and to disburse money that may be received by this state from the United States government for the purposes provided for in this part in accordance with the formula set forth by applicable acts of congress.(c) To act as the fiscal agent for this state for the purpose of making available to local units of government and the districts as may be organized under this part money or instruments of indebtedness that may be approved by the legislature or the people of this state for the construction and operation of sewage disposal systems by local units of government or districts.(d) To coordinate its duties and functions with similar or related duties and functions that are performed by other state agencies or governmental units to coordinate and cooperate efforts to accomplish the purposes of this part.1994, Act 451, Eff. 3/30/1995 .