The department may provide comprehensive technical assistance to tribal housing authorities, housing sponsors, and governmental agencies on reservations, rancherias, and on public domain to facilitate the planning and orderly development of suitable, decent, safe, and sanitary housing for American Indians residing in such areas. Such assistance may include technical assistance in land use planning, natural and environmental resource planning, and economic resource planning. Upon request of the governing body of a reservation or rancheria, the department may act on behalf of the tribal housing authority and perform the functions thereof and for such purpose shall have all the
powers granted to housing authorities by Part 2 (commencing with Section 34200) of Division 13.