(a) The Commissioner of Agriculture and the Department of Agriculture are authorized to make surveys, studies, and estimates in connection with formulating the recommendations of the Commissioner to the authority, pursuant to Code Section 2-10-8, and to expend any funds available to them for such purposes. They are further authorized to prepare, furnish, and expend funds for the purpose of preparing all necessary plans and specifications and furnishing all engineering and architectural skill and supervision for any project or projects with respect to which the authority has undertaken or contemplates undertaking any action permitted by this article. The department shall keep an accurate record of such expenses, which, if not reimbursed or paid for by the authority as permitted by this article, shall be deemed proper and legitimate expenses of the department and the Commissioner.

(b) Before the authority undertakes any action with respect to a project, it shall first obtain approval from the Commissioner of the plans, specifications, and drawings, if any, detailing the action to be undertaken.

(c) The authority may contract to reimburse the Commissioner and the department for surveys, studies, estimates, plans, specifications, the furnishing of engineering and architectural skill and supervision, and any other services permitted by this article from the proceeds of any issue of revenue bonds secured by rentals of the project or group of projects with respect to which the services were rendered, and the same shall be considered as part of the cost of the project.