The board may for the purposes of this chapter:
1. Accept grants of money.
2. Enter into contracts, including interlocal agreements, consistent with its authority under this chapter.
3. Employ and fix the compensation of employees and professional advisers.
4. Acquire, hold, lease and dispose of real and personal property inside and outside the region, without limitation, by requirements applicable to a board of county commissioners in its capacity as the governing body of a county.