The department shall exercise those powers necessary to gain qualification on behalf of the state for financial assistance available pursuant to the federal acts and, in so doing, may:

    (a) Plan, promote, supervise, and support safe, adequate, and efficient rail services.

    (b) Employ sufficient trained and qualified personnel to implement the purposes described in this section.

    (c) Maintain adequate programs of investigation, research, promotion, and development in connection with the purposes described in this section, and provide for public participation in these areas.

    (d) Comply with the rules and regulations of the secretary of transportation of the United States department of transportation in connection with federal rail assistance programs.

    (e) Do those other things necessary to maximize federal assistance for rail services to this state.