(a) The Board of Western Illinois University is authorized, under applicable permit and license of the Federal Communication Commission, to construct and operate an educational television station at or near Macomb, Illinois with a translator at or near Moline, Illinois.
     (b) The Board may apply on behalf of Western Illinois University to the Department of Health, Education and Welfare for funds, as authorized under the Educational Television Facilities Act of 1962, to assist in the development of the educational television program authorized in subsection (a).