The commission shall have the following powers, together with all powers incidental to or necessary for the performance of those set forth in this chapter:

(1)  To sue and be sued.

(2)  To negotiate and to enter into contracts, agreements, and cooperative agreements with agencies and political subdivisions of the state, not-for-profit corporations, for-profit corporations, and other partnerships, associations, and persons for any lawful purpose necessary and desirable to effect the purposes of this chapter.

(3)  To adopt bylaws and rules for the management of its affairs and for the exercise of its powers and duties, and to establish the committees, workgroups, and advisory bodies that from time to time may be deemed necessary.

(4)  To receive and accept grants or loans as may be made by the federal government, and grants, donations, contributions, and payments from other public and private sources.

(5)  To grant or loan funds to agencies and political subdivisions of the state or to private groups to effect the purposes of this chapter; provided that, in each funding round, there must be a material award that benefits a Rhode Island city or town with a population below twenty-five thousand (25,000) people according to data from the United States Census Bureau.

(6)  To secure the cooperation and assistance of the United States and any of its agencies, and of the agencies and political subdivisions of this state in the work of the commission.

(7)  To establish, charge, and collect fees and payments for its services.