(a) The commission shall:

(1) Develop a plan regarding significant sites in Tennessee related to the French and Indian War, American Revolution, War of 1812, U.S.-Mexican War, and the War Between the States, hereafter referred to as the “wars.” The plan will provide incentives to local landowners and local governments to preserve and restore battlefields and historic sites related to the wars. Through cooperative agreements between local governments, landowners and the commission, such entities will work together to preserve and restore historic sites;

(2) Preserve and conserve the legacy of the wars in the state of Tennessee;

(3) Recognize important events and geographic locations in the conduct of the wars in the state of Tennessee;

(4) Establish a geographic data base and an information system that can be used to locate, track, and cross-reference significant historical and cultural properties, structures and markers associated with the wars;

(5) Acquire or provide funds for the acquisition of battlegrounds, cemeteries and other historic properties associated with the wars;

(6) Expend funds received from state appropriations and other sources to make grants to municipalities, counties and nonprofit organizations for the purpose of maintaining and restoring existing memorials and cemeteries related to the wars;

(7) Encourage the establishment of reference sections relating to the wars in high schools;

(8) Ensure that all literature produced by the commission adequately reflects the role of African-Americans in the French and Indian War, American Revolution, War of 1812, U.S.-Mexican War, and contributions on both sides of the War Between the States; and

(9) Ensure the opportunity for adequate participation in the activities of the commission by African-Americans.

(b) In carrying out its purposes, the commission is authorized to:

(1) Accept loans or grants, or both, of money, materials or property of any kind from the United States or any agency or instrumentality thereof upon such terms and conditions as the United States or such agency or instrumentality may impose;

(2) Receive and accept loans, gifts, grants, donations or contributions of property, facilities, or services, with or without consideration from any person, firm or corporation or from the state of Tennessee or any agency or instrumentality thereof or from any county, municipal corporation or local government or governing body; and

(3) Hold, use, administer and expend such sum or sums as may hereafter be received as income, as gifts or as appropriations from the general assembly for any of the purposes of the commission.