Section 806 - Powers and duties of local development districts(a) Research and coordination.--Each local development district may conduct necessary research and studies and coordinate and cooperate with all appropriate groups and agencies in order to develop a long-range economic development strategy for the district. The strategy should establish goals and objectives, identify key challenges facing the district, provide needed services to businesses to enhance economic development in their respective geographical areas and establish actions and investments needed to cope with those challenges.(b) Development activities.--Each local development district shall conduct enterprise development activities, which shall be broadly interpreted to include, but not necessarily be limited to: (1) Business finance assistance.(4) Export marketing assistance.(5) Government procurement assistance.(6) Matchmaker (MNET)/import substitution programs.(c) Loan programs.--Local development districts shall have the authority to administer loan programs and to extend loans for economic development to private firms, nonprofit organizations and public agencies subject to the provisions of all applicable laws and regulations.(d) Agency coordination.--Local development districts shall encourage intergovernmental coordination as well as public and private cooperation, aiming to achieve broad and varied perspectives to enhance problem resolution.(e) Related activities.--Each local development district may also conduct other development activities, which may include, but need not be limited to, the following:(1) Community development.(9) Education and training.(10) Local government improvement.(12) Health and human resources.(13) Any other element appropriate and necessary for the health, safety and welfare of the citizens in the respective districts.(f) Additional powers and duties.--Each local development district shall also have the power and authority to:(1) Provide, upon request, basic administrative, research and planning services for any public agency or local political subdivision located within the district.(2) Accept, receive and administer loans, contracts, grants or other funds or gifts from public and private agencies, including the Federal Government and the Commonwealth for the purpose of carrying out the functions of the district.(3) Provide assistance to communities, the private sector, public and private partnerships or wherever special expertise is needed to achieve some worthwhile public objective.(4) Offer training and education opportunities.(5) Acquire, hold as may be necessary and convenient, encumber or dispose of real and personal property, except that no local development district shall have the power of eminent domain.(6) Charge fees, rents and otherwise charge for services provided by the local development district, except that no local development district shall have any power to levy taxes.(7) Enter into interlocal agreements or interstate compacts to the extent authorized by laws of this Commonwealth.(8) Promote the orderly growth, development and redevelopment of the district in accordance with long-term objectives, principles and standards that are in the best interests of the welfare of this district's residents.(9) Promote the conservation of land, water and air in the district.(10) Act as the regional clearinghouse for data and information.1994, Dec. 7, P.L. 845, No. 120, § 6, imd. effective.