Section 5504 - Duties of the secretaryThe secretary shall:
(1) Enroll eligible participants pursuant to section 6 . (2) Employ crewleaders pursuant to section 8. (3) Appoint a director who shall act as the administrative officer of the corps. The director shall employ staff necessary to implement the provisions of this act.(4) Develop or review proposed work experience projects submitted to the department by State agencies and local agencies and approve projects that meet the requirements of this act. For the Commonwealth, only State agencies are eligible to submit work experience projects. The secretary shall insure that work experience projects involve labor intensive improvement activities on public lands or facilities that will result in a future public value or have a potential for future revenue yield.(5) Authorize utilization of the corps for approved work experience projects in urban, suburban and rural areas as necessary to carry out the provisions of this act.(6) Execute contracts with State and local agencies containing any terms and conditions deemed necessary and desirable for the enrollment of corpsmembers in approved work experience projects; and, in the case of corpsmember development and training, execute contracts or cooperative agreements with Federal agencies, State agencies, local agencies, persons, firms, partnerships, associations or corporations for the provisions of these services.(7) Authorize utilization of the corps for emergency projects within or outside this Commonwealth which shall include, but not be limited to, natural disasters, fire prevention and suppression and rescue of lost or injured persons. Corpsmember participation in emergency projects shall be voluntary. Corpsmembers shall receive adequate training prior to participating in an emergency project.(8) Apply for and accept grants or contributions of funds from any public or private source, including the acceptance of Federal funds appropriated by the General Assembly. Such funds shall include Federal funds which may be provided under the National and Community Service Act of 1990 ( Public Law 101-610, 104 Stat. 3127).(9) Purchase, rent or otherwise acquire or obtain personal property, supplies, instruments, tools, equipment or conveniences necessary to complete work experience projects or provide corpsmember training.(10) Develop program guidelines or regulations as it deems necessary to fairly and effectively administer this act.(11) Authorize the exchange of corpsmembers and crewleaders with other established conservation corps/service programs in order to foster a spirit of understanding and to advance the goals of volunteerism and service. Participation in exchange projects shall be voluntary.(12) Execute contracts for enrollment of corpsmembers in cities of the first class for projects designed to repel or remove graffiti or other institutional vandalism. The secretary may contract directly with not-for-profit agencies and organizations which shall be eligible for funding provided pursuant to section 12.1. 1984, July 2, P.L. 561, No. 112, § 4, imd. effective. Amended 1989, July 1, P.L. 119, No. 25, § 2, imd. effective; 1993, July 2, P.L. 350, No. 49, § 3, imd. effective; 1997, June 25, P.L. 339, No. 38, § 1, imd. effective.