On the application of an eligible recipient, the Secretary may make grants to pay the costs of economic development planning and the administrative expenses of organizations that carry out the planning.
Planning assistance under this subchapter shall be used in conjunction with any other available Federal planning assistance to ensure adequate and effective planning and economical use of funds.
Any State plan developed with assistance under this section shall be developed, to the maximum extent practicable, cooperatively by the State, political subdivisions of the State, and the economic development districts located wholly or partially in the State.
As a condition of receipt of assistance for a State plan under this subsection, the State shall have or develop a comprehensive economic development strategy.
Before providing assistance for a State plan under this section, the Secretary shall consider the extent to which the State will consider local and economic development district plans.