(a) The board shall establish a center for border economic and enterprise development at The University of Texas at El Paso.
(b) The center established under this section may:
(1) develop and manage an economic data base concerning the Texas-Mexico border;
(2) perform economic development planning and research;
(3) provide technical assistance to industrial and governmental entities; and
(4) in cooperation with other state agencies, coordinate economic and enterprise development planning activities of state agencies to ensure that the economic needs of the Texas-Mexico border are integrated within a comprehensive state economic development plan.

(c) The center may offer seminars and conduct conferences and other educational programs concerning the Texas-Mexico border economy and economic and enterprise development within the state.
(d) The board may solicit and accept gifts, grants, and donations to aid in the establishment, maintenance, and operation of the center.
(e) The center established under this section shall cooperate fully with similar programs operated by Texas A&M International University, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, and other institutions of higher education.