The Division of Regional Development is the state program responsible for the creation of a state infrastructure development plan, for the coordination of regional infrastructure development plans, and for the coordination of state programs and resources that impact or affect infrastructure development. To fulfill its public mandate, the division is expressly authorized to perform the following functions and exercise the following powers:

(1) prescribe recommended elements to be included in any comprehensive regional infrastructure development plan;

(2) coordinate and qualify regional infrastructure development plans;

(3) create a state infrastructure development plan through consultation with other appropriate state agencies;

(4) provide training, education, resources and technical assistance to enable and support the efforts of local governments and the Regional Councils of Government to create and develop comprehensive infrastructure development plans;

(5) to participate as a party, as an advocate, or otherwise, in state government and state agency decision-making processes that impact or affect infrastructure development;

(6) to coordinate relevant state government actions and programs that impact or affect infrastructure development in order to focus and direct these actions and programs to support and assist the development and implementation of the State and regional infrastructure development plans;

(7) to identify and coordinate public funds, regardless of original source, that are expended or distributed by state agencies to help underwrite or support infrastructure development in order that state agency expenditures and distributions of public funds are both consistent with and supportive of state and regional infrastructure development plans; and

(8) to request and receive assistance and support from other state agencies and programs as needed by the division.

HISTORY: 1997 Act No. 155, Part II, Section 74B.