The Secretary may: Investigate, study, and make a determination on: The extent of growth and infestation of a noxious weed or other weed species in the State; and The effect of the noxious weed or other weed species on agricultural production; By regulation, designate as a noxious weed any plant that adversely affects or threatens agricultural production; Institute programs or carry out practices necessary for the control and eradication of a noxious weed; Enter into agreements with a county or other political subdivision of the State, an adjoining state, or an agency of the federal government to implement a program for the control and eradication of a noxious weed; Accept, use, or expend any aid, gift, grant, or loan made available from any private or public source to carry out the provisions of this subtitle; and Following a public hearing declare a quarantine to control or eradicate any exotic plant, which means a plant species not previously known to occur in the State or known to be of only limited distribution in the State, as determined by the Secretary.