In addition to the powers set forth elsewhere in this subtitle, the Authority may:

(1)    Recognize heritage areas in accordance with § 13-1110 of this subtitle and certify recognized heritage areas in accordance with § 13-1111 of this subtitle;

(2)    Approve or reject management plans for certified heritage areas in accordance with § 13-1111 of this subtitle;

(3)    Adopt and alter an official seal;

(4)    Sue and be sued, plead, and be impleaded;

(5)    Adopt bylaws to regulate its affairs and the conduct of its business;

(6)    In accordance with Title 10, Subtitle 1 of the State Government Article, adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of this subtitle;

(7)    Employ, either as regular employees or as independent contractors, and fix the compensation of, accountants, architects, attorneys, construction experts, personnel consultants, engineers, financial experts, managers, superintendents, and other professional personnel and agents;

(8)    Appoint advisory committees composed of local officials, representatives of the business and preservation communities, and representatives of other interests as the Authority deems appropriate;

(9)    Subject to annual appropriations, acquire in its own name, by gift or purchase, any personal property or interests in personal property necessary or convenient to support a certified heritage area and carry out the responsibilities of the Authority under this subtitle;

(10)    Subject to annual appropriation and to the prior approval of the Board of Public Works, acquire in its own name, by gift or purchase, any real property or interests in real property necessary or convenient to support a certified heritage area and carry out the responsibilities of the Authority under this subtitle;

(11)    Enter into contracts of any kind and execute all instruments necessary or convenient to carry out its powers under this subtitle;

(12)    Make and participate in making loans or grants, or otherwise provide financial assistance for any project that serves to preserve, develop, maintain, or protect a State designated heritage area;

(13)    (i)    Borrow money from any source for any purpose of this subtitle, including capital for its operations, reserve funds, or interest;

(ii)    Mortgage, pledge, or otherwise encumber the property and funds of the Authority; and

(iii)    Contract with or engage the services of any person for any financing, including underwriters, placement agents, financial institutions, issuers of letters of credit, or insurers;

(14)    Subject to Part IV of this subtitle, issue bonds;

(15)    Receive and accept from any public or private source contributions, gifts, or grants of money or property;

(16)    Exercise all the corporate powers granted Maryland corporations under the Maryland General Corporation Law; and

(17)    Subject to the limitations under this subtitle, do all things necessary or convenient to carry out the powers granted by this subtitle.