(a) For carrying out any of the objectives stated in Code Section 12-6-110, the State Forestry Commission may accept appropriations, grants, or gifts from the federal government; the state government; any county, municipal, or local government; any board, bureau, commission, agency, or establishment of any such government; any other organizations, public or private; and any individual or groups of individuals or corporations. Such grants or gifts shall be held and administered subject to this part.

(b) Appropriations for research conducted by or through the State Forestry Commission for the purposes stated in this part shall be specified in the "General Appropriations Act" as a separate line item appropriation under the State Forestry Commission. Any funds in such line item appropriation shall be allocated to research projects selected by the State Forestry Commission and the director of the State Forestry Commission.