(1) The utility board shall have the right and powers necessary to carry out the purposes of this act, including, but not limited to:

(a) Make recommendations to the county authorities pertaining to water, wastewater and storm water issues in the Gulf Coast Region;

(b) Make recommendations necessary to achieve compatibility and uniformity of systems and technology related to water, wastewater and storm water in the Gulf Coast Region;

(c) Help resolve cross-jurisdictional and multicounty disputes pertaining to water, wastewater and storm water issues between county authorities when requested by the county authorities;

(d) Recommend short-term and long-term priorities for water, wastewater and storm water related projects;

(e) Recommend emergency preparedness procedures in the Gulf Coast Region related to water, wastewater and storm water;

(f) Recommend training standards related to operations of water, wastewater and storm water systems;

(g) Sue and be sued in its own name and to enjoy all the protections, immunities and benefits provided by the Mississippi Tort Claims Act, as it may be amended from time to time;

(h) Adopt an official seal and alter the same at pleasure;

(i) Maintain office space at such place or places within the boundaries of the board as it may determine;

(j) Own or lease real or personal property;

(k) Invest money of the utility board, including proceeds from the sale of any bonds subject to any agreements with bond holders on such terms and in such manner as the utility board deems proper;

(l) Apply for, accept and utilize grants, gifts and other funds from any source for any purpose necessary in support of the purpose of this act and to coordinate the distribution of funds to the county authorities;

(m) Employ and terminate staff, including, but not limited to, attorneys, engineers and consultants as may be necessary;

(n) Enter into contracts for all operation and maintenance needs of the utility board;

(o) Enter into contracts to conduct studies of regional issues regarding water, wastewater and storm water services and to provide assistance, funds and guidance in the construction, operation and maintenance of regional water, wastewater and storm water services;

(p) Enter into contracts with any person or any public agency in furtherance of any of the purposes authorized by this act upon such consideration as the board of directors and such person may agree. Any such contract may extend over any period of time, including a term which extends beyond the term of the then majority of the existing board members, notwithstanding any provision or rule of law to the contrary; may be upon such terms and for such consideration, nominal or otherwise, as the parties thereto shall agree; and may provide that it shall continue in effect until bonds specified therein, refunding bonds issued in lieu of such bonds, and all other obligations specified therein are paid or terminated. Any such contract shall be binding upon the parties thereto according to its terms. The utility board may also assume or continue any contractual or other business relationships entered into by the members of the utility board, including the rights to receive and acquire property transferred under option to purchase agreements;

(q) Contract with the authorities under any terms mutually agreed by the parties to carry out any powers, duties or responsibilities granted by this act or any other laws to the authorities;

(r) Acquire insurance for the utility board’s systems, facilities, buildings, treatment plants and all property, real or personal, to insure against all risks as any insurance may, from time to time, be available;

(s) Make, enforce, amend and repeal rules and regulations for the management of the utility board’s business and affairs;

(t) Enter onto public or private lands, waters or premises for the purposes of making surveys, borings or soundings, or conducting tests, examinations or inspections for the purposes of the utility board, subject to responsibility for any damage done to property entered;

(u) Apply, contract for, accept, receive and administer gifts, grants, appropriations and donations of money, materials, and property of any kind, including loans and grants from the United States, the state, a unit of local government, or any agency, department, district or instrumentality of any of the foregoing, upon any terms and conditions as the United States, the state, a unit of local government, or any agency, department, district or instrumentality shall impose;

(v) Create, maintain and regulate reservoirs and promulgate and enforce rules and regulations for the creation and maintenance of reservoirs; and

(w) Make other recommendations to carry out the purposes of this act.

(2) This section shall repeal July 1, 2023.