Section 5B. A district planning commission may, by an affirmative vote of two thirds of the representatives of the cities and towns comprising the district, agree to act as, and to assume the duties, obligations, and responsibilities of, an economic development regional commission for as many of the cities and towns within its area of jurisdiction as it may deem proper and logical, subject to the availability of funds for such purpose; provided, however, that said cities and towns shall be eligible for designation as an economic development region, hereinafter called the region, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965. Additional eligible cities and towns may be added to or deleted from the region by an affirmative vote of two thirds of the representatives of the cities and towns comprising the district.

The district planning commission members and alternate designees of the cities and towns comprising the region shall constitute the economic development regional commission. In addition, such technical and advisory committees as are necessary and required by the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 may be appointed in accordance with the provisions of said Act for the purpose of providing advice and guidance to the region.

The economic development regional commission may prepare economic development programs which shall be public records and may be changed or supplemented from time to time by a majority vote of the representatives of the cities and towns comprising the region. Said regional commission may conduct feasibility and implementation studies for public facilities and programs and develop public and private development projects which are consistent with and which aid in implementing the objectives of said commission. Said regional commission may advertise and otherwise promote the implementation of its plans and recommendations for the economic and industrial development of the region and may sponsor conferences, institutes, seminars and training programs on behalf of the region.