FINANCING ACTIVITIES PRECEDING CONSTRUCTION. The AUTHORITY shall secure funds or a firm commitment of funds adequate to finance the activities necessary to be carried out prior to the award of a contract for the construction of any public project or other economic development project, which includes, but is not limited to, the preparation of construction plans and specifications, and the acquisition of permits, rights-of-way and land necessary for the construction. The AUTHORITY shall secure such funds through federal and state grants, the issuance of bonds, advances from the parties hereto, or by any combination thereof.