The board shall be charged with the general control and supervision of the department. In the exercise of such general control and supervision, the board shall have such duties, powers, and authority as are expressly vested in it by this title, including but not limited to:

(1) Designation of public roads on the state highway system;

(2) Approval of negotiated construction contracts, of authority lease agreements, or of the advertising of nonnegotiated construction contracts;

(3) Confirmation or rejection of the recommendation for appointment of the following department officers: the deputy commissioner, the chief engineer, and the treasurer and the assistant treasurer of the department; and

(4) Approval of all long-range plans and programs of the department.