(1) The board may:
(a) retain professional staff, including its administrative staff, and retain consultants and advisers, notwithstanding the provisions of 2-15-121;
(b) adopt rules governing its proceedings, determinations, and administration of this part;
(c) make payments to local government units from money paid to the hard-rock mining impact account as provided in 90-6-307;
(d) make determinations as provided in 90-6-307, 90-6-311, and 90-6-403 (3); and
(e) accept grants and other funds to be used in carrying out this part.
(2) The provisions of the Montana Administrative Procedure Act apply to the proceedings and determinations of the board.