(a) There is hereby created the Office of State Planning and Federal Programs within the office of the Governor and directly under his supervision and control. The Office of State Planning and Federal Programs shall consist of the Governor as the State Planning and Federal Programs Officer, a chief administrative officer to be designated as Director of the Office of State Planning and Federal Programs, who shall be appointed by the Governor, and serve at his pleasure, at a salary to be set in the same manner and with the same limitations as otherwise provided by law for executive department heads. The Director of the Office of State Planning and Federal Programs shall be a member of such boards and commissions, as they relate to his authority under the provisions of this article, and as required and currently authorized under the various federal programs for the director of the Alabama Development Office, and as approved by the Governor. All other employees necessary to carry out the duties and functions of the Office of State Planning and Federal Programs shall be employed subject to the provisions of the state Merit System laws and shall be entitled to the same rights and benefits thereunder. Salaries set for employees shall not exceed the salary set by law for executive department heads.

(b) The Governor, through the Office of State Planning and Federal Programs, shall encourage comprehensive and coordinated planning and programming of the affairs of state government.

(c) The Governor may direct any state department or other agency of state government, directly under his control and supervision, to furnish the Office of State Planning and Federal Programs with such personnel, equipment and services as are necessary to enable it to carry out its responsibilities and duties, and he may prescribe the terms thereof, including reimbursement of costs therefor.