Sec. 5. (a) The office may do the following:

(1) Cooperate with federal, state, and local governments and agencies in the coordination of programs to promote tourism.

(2) Receive and expend funds, grants, gifts, and contributions of money, property, labor, and other things of value from public and private sources, including grants from agencies and instrumentalities of the state and the federal government. The office:

(A) may accept federal grants for providing planning assistance, making grants, or providing other services or functions necessary to political subdivisions, planning commissions, or other public or private organizations;

(B) shall administer these grants in accordance with the terms of the grants; and

(C) may contract with political subdivisions, planning commissions, or other public or private organizations to carry out the purposes for which the grants were made.

(3) Request assistance, information, and advice regarding the duties and functions of the office from an officer, agent, or employee of the state. The head of any other state department or agency may assign any of the department's or agency's employees to the office on a temporary basis, or may direct a division or agency under the department's or agency's supervision and control to make a special study or survey requested by the director.

(4) Disseminate information concerning and advertise or contract to advertise the cultural, recreational, quality of life, and tourism advantages of Indiana.

(5) Plan, direct, and conduct research activities.

(b) The office shall assist in the development and promotion of Indiana's tourist resources, facilities, attractions, and activities.

As added by P.L.229-2005, SEC.4.