§ 502. Powers and duties of commission. In addition to the powers and duties provided in Chapter 3 (relating to powers and duties of Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission), the commission shall have the power and duty to:

(1) Initiate and coordinate a Statewide survey to identify and document the historic resources in this Commonwealth, whether publicly or privately owned.

(2) Compile, maintain, revise and publish a selected inventory of significant historic resources in this Commonwealth, to be known as the Pennsylvania Register of Historic Places, pursuant to criteria of significance approved by the commission.

(3) Conduct research and compile documentation regarding historic resources.

(4) Prepare a comprehensive plan for the preservation of the historic resources in this Commonwealth, including suggested priorities for the allocation of public and private financial resources.

(5) Undertake the activities necessary to qualify the Commonwealth for participation in programs and sources of Federal assistance for purposes of historic preservation.

(6) Provide information and advice on historic resources and appropriate preservation procedures to public officials, private individuals and organizations.

(7) Advise public officials regarding the planning and implementation of undertakings affecting historic resources.

(8) Provide technical and financial assistance to public officials, private individuals and organizations engaged in historic preservation activities.

(9) Undertake activities to stimulate public interest in historic preservation, including publications, newsletters and conferences.

(10) Coordinate and comment upon activities of public officials affecting historic resources and preservation activities.

(11) Solicit, receive and utilize funds from any public or private source for purposes of historic preservation.

(12) Acquire easements in properties of historic, architectural and archaeological significance by gift, purchase, devise or any other lawful transfer when acquisition is necessary for the preservation thereof.

(13) Rent or lease historic resources and associated properties for purposes of historic preservation.

(14) Contract with other states, public officials in this Commonwealth or private individuals and organizations for purposes of historic preservation.