(a) It is declared to be the public policy of the State of Georgia, in furtherance of its responsibility to promote and preserve the health, prosperity, and general welfare of the people, to encourage the preservation of historic properties which have historical, cultural, and archeological significance to the state.

(b) The State of Georgia is authorized to make grants, as funds are available, to any private or public organization or corporation for the preservation of "historic properties," as that term is defined by Section 301 of the National Historic Preservation Act, 16 U.S.C. 470w.

(c) The Department of Natural Resources, through its Division of Historic Preservation, shall have the additional powers and duties:

(1) To cooperate with agencies of the federal government, other agencies of the state and political subdivisions thereof, and private organizations and individuals, to direct and conduct a comprehensive state-wide survey of historic properties;

(2) To maintain an inventory and register of historic properties;

(3) To document, research, record, and evaluate the significance of historic properties;

(4) To prepare comprehensive state-wide and regional historic preservation plans;

(5) To provide technical assistance to and cooperate with agencies of the federal government, other agencies of the state and political subdivisions thereof, and private organizations and individuals in the development of historic preservation plans, programs, and projects;

(6) To cooperate with agencies of the federal government, other agencies of the state and political subdivisions thereof, and private organizations and individuals, in order that historic properties are taken into consideration at all levels of planning and development;

(7) To propose programs and activities to protect, preserve, and encourage the preservation of historic properties in this state;

(8) To administer programs of financial and technical assistance for historic preservation projects, including all grants made under authority of this Code section, and to specify the terms and conditions under which any grants of funds are made or used;

(9) To make recommendations on the certification and eligibility of historic properties for tax incentives and other programs of public benefit or assistance;

(10) To perform those duties and responsibilities assigned to the department under Article 3 of Chapter 2 of Title 8, under Article 1 of Chapter 10 of Title 44, and under Article 2 of Chapter 10 of Title 44;

(11) To provide public information and education, technical assistance, and training relating to historic preservation;

(12) To encourage public interest and participation in historic preservation;

(13) To advise and assist the state historic preservation officer, who shall be appointed to serve at the pleasure of the Governor; and

(14) To advise the Governor and the General Assembly on matters relating to historic preservation.