The commissioner is authorized to:
(1) Study mass transportation problems and provide technical assistance to local governments and operators of mass transportation;
(2) Undertake projects to develop or demonstrate improvement in mass transportation facilities, equipment, services and management techniques; acquire and operate or contract for the operation of vehicles and other equipment necessary for such projects;
(3) Render financial assistance to local governments for mass transportation projects out of appropriations made available by the general assembly for such purpose; and
(4) Act as agent for any local government which so requests in applying for, accepting, receiving, receipting for, and disbursing federal moneys for mass transportation projects.