§ 202-244. Powers and duties.

The commission shall have powers and duties as follows:

(1)

To plan and undertake a program of action which promotes scientific research and development and fosters higher education which relates to scientific research and development or provides for the economic development of Brevard County as a center for high technology and scientific research and development.

(2)

To contract with and support the programs of those accredited institutions of higher learning with a research capability whose main campuses are located within Brevard County in the furtherance of the objectives of the authority and to contract with any other accredited institutions of higher learning with a research capability in furtherance of the objectives of the authority and to contract with the Indian River Region Research Institute in furtherance of the objectives of the institute.

(3)

To enter into grants, bequests, contracts, and other agreements with units of government and private parties for the purpose of obtaining funds for projects and programs which further the objectives of the authority.

(4)

To establish an annual budget and amend the budget when necessary.

(5)

To adopt an official seal and alter the same at its pleasure.

(6)

To maintain an office at such place or places in Brevard County as it may designate.

(7)

To sue and be sued in its own name.

(8)

To acquire by lease, purchase, or option real and personal property for any uses consistent with the purposes authorized by this division.

(9)

To finance or refinance and to secure the issuance and repayment of bonds, provided that all revenue bonds or other debt obligations shall be payable solely from the revenues derived from the sale, operation, or leasing of projects to the authority. Any bonds issued by the authority shall not be deemed to constitute a debt, liability, or obligation of any authority or county or of the state or political subdivision, and such revenue bond or debt obligations shall be paid solely from revenues derived from the sale, operation, or leasing of a project or projects.

(10)

To employ personnel, consultants, accountants, attorneys, engineers, and such other experts as may be necessary and convenient in the execution of the powers of the authority.

(Laws of Fla. ch. 87-455, § 4; Laws of Fla. ch. 89-500, § 7)