Sec. 7. (a) The commission shall institute and maintain a comprehensive policy planning and programming and coordinative management process for the region. It shall coordinate its activities with all units in the region and shall coordinate the planning programs of all units and the state. Except when a commission exercises powers under subsection (j), the commission shall act in an advisory capacity only.

(b) The commission may provide technical assistance to any unit in the region that requests it. This technical assistance includes the provision of skills and knowledge for planning, developing, administering, improving, and securing:

(1) public and private grants-in-aid;

(2) cooperative arrangements between governments; and

(3) the performance of governmental powers and duties.

(c) The commission may divide its jurisdiction into subregions under section 10 of this chapter for purposes appropriate to the study, analysis, or coordination of specific problems or concerns. The commission may conduct all necessary studies for the accomplishment of its duties. It may publicize and advertise its purposes, objectives, and findings and may distribute reports on them. It may provide recommendations when requested to the participating units and to other public and private agencies in matters relative to its functions and objectives and may act when requested as a coordinating agency for programs and activities of such agencies as they relate to its objectives. The commission may not implement, enter into an agreement for, or propose a program that includes interstate wastewater management or disposal.

(d) The commission may adopt by resolution any regional comprehensive or functional plan, program, or policy as its official recommendation for the development of the region, subject to the power of a county to exempt itself under section 9 of this chapter. The commission shall make an annual report of its activities to the legislative bodies of the counties and municipalities in the region.

(e) The commission may receive grants from federal, state, or local governmental entities or from individuals or foundations, and may enter into agreements or contracts regarding the acceptance or use of those grants and appropriations for the purpose of carrying out any of the activities of the commission. A county or municipality may, from time to time upon the request of the commission, assign or detail to the commission any employees to make special surveys or studies requested by the commission.

(f) For the sole purpose of providing adequate public services, the commission may acquire by grant, gift, purchase, lease, devise, or otherwise and hold, use, improve, maintain, operate, own, manage, or lease (as lessor or lessee) such real or personal property as the commission considers necessary for that purpose. The commission may apply for, receive, and expend grants, loans, or any other form of financial assistance available under any federal grant program.

(g) The commission may enter into coordinative arrangements with any adjacent county or municipality in Indiana or an adjoining state, or with an overlapping multicounty or interstate planning or development agency, state agency, or federal agency, as are appropriate to the achievement of its objectives or to address a common issue. However, the commission may not delegate any of its powers or duties.

(h) The commission may appoint advisory committees to assist in the achievement of its objectives. Members of advisory committees are not entitled to compensation for their services but may be reimbursed for expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.

(i) The commission shall act as the designated review agency and as the clearinghouse as described in federal Office of Management and Budget Circular A-95.

(j) The commission may provide administrative, management, or technical services to a unit that requests the services. The unit and the commission may enter into a contract concerning the commission's provision of administrative, management, or technical services and the cost to the unit for the services.

[Pre-Local Government Recodification Citations: 18-7-1.1-3(h); 18-7-1.1-5 part; 18-7-1.2-1.]

As added by Acts 1981, P.L.309, SEC.26. Amended by P.L.145-1992, SEC.1.