A Commission shall—

(1) assess the needs and assets of its region based on available research, demonstration projects, investigations, assessments, and evaluations of the region prepared by Federal, State, and local agencies, universities, local development districts, and other nonprofit groups;

(2) develop, on a continuing basis, comprehensive and coordinated economic and infrastructure development strategies to establish priorities and approve grants for the economic development of its region, giving due consideration to other Federal, State, and local planning and development activities in the region;

(3) not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this section, and after taking into account State plans developed under section 15502, establish priorities in an economic and infrastructure development plan for its region, including 5-year regional outcome targets;

enhance the capacity of, and provide support for, local development districts in its region; or

(A) enhance the capacity of, and provide support for, local development districts in its region; or

(B) if no local development district exists in an area in a participating State in the region, foster the creation of a local development district;

(5) encourage private investment in industrial, commercial, and other economic development projects in its region;

(6) cooperate with and assist State governments with the preparation of economic and infrastructure development plans and programs for participating States;

(7) formulate and recommend to the Governors and legislatures of States that participate in the Commission forms of interstate cooperation and, where appropriate, international cooperation; and

(8) work with State and local agencies in developing appropriate model legislation to enhance local and regional economic development.

(Added Pub. L. 110–234, title XIV, § 14217(a)(2), May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1470, and Pub. L. 110–246, § 4(a), title XIV, § 14217(a)(2), June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 2232.)