In addition to the duties and powers hereinafter conferred upon the state soil conservation committee, it shall have the following duties and powers:

a. To accept from the United States or any of its agencies, contributions in services, materials, money, or otherwise, and to use or expend such contributions in the formulation of comprehensive plans for the conservation of soil resources and the prevention of soil erosion within the state and to conduct surveys, investigations, demonstrations, and research relating to soil erosion and the preventive measures needed in areas subject to erosion by wind and water, to publish results of any such surveys, investigations or research and to disseminate information. In order to avoid duplication of research, demonstration, and the dissemination of information, no program of such activities shall be carried on except in co-operation with the state agricultural college and the state agricultural experiment stations, or such other state agency as may be dealing with allied problems;

b. To offer such assistance to the supervisors of soil conservation districts, organized as provided hereinafter as may be appropriate in the carrying out of any of their powers and programs;

c. To co-ordinate the programs of the several soil conservation districts organized hereunder;

d. To secure the co-operation and assistance of the United States and any of its agencies, and of agencies of this state, in the work of such districts;

e. To disseminate information throughout the state concerning the activities and programs of the soil conservation districts organized hereunder, and to encourage the formation of such districts in areas where their organization is desirable.