7 U.S.C. § 2009bb–6 — Development planning process

(a) State^* development plan under policies established by the Authority^*, each State member must submit a development plan for the area of the region^* represented by the State member. (b) Content of plan A State development plan submitted under subsection (a) must reflect the goals, objectives, and priorities identified in the regional development plan developed under section 2009bb–1(d)(2) of this title. (c) Consultation with interested local parties In carrying out the development planning process (including the selection of programs and projects for assistance), a State may— (1) consult with— (A) multistate, regional, and local development districts and organizations; and (B) local units of government; and (2) take into consideration the goals, objectives, priorities, and recommendations of the entities described in paragraph (1). (d) Public participation (1) In general The Authority and applicable multistate, regional, and local development districts and organizations must encourage and assist, to the maximum extent practicable, public participation in the development, revision, and implementation of all plans and programs under this subchapter. (2) Regulations The Authority must develop guidelines for providing public participation described in paragraph (1), including public hearings.