Sec. 01.01.1983.17. Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs and Activities

Section 1. Maryland Intergovernmental Review and Coordination Process

(a) In order for Maryland to secure the benefits of intergovernmental cooperation and coordination, and in order to provide a simple, uniform, and consistent mechanism for State, regional, and local public officials to learn about and comment on proposed federal financial assistance and direct federal development, the Maryland Intergovernmental Review and Coordination Process is established. The process shall serve as Maryland's designated process for determining the views of State and local elected officials and regional officials concerning proposed federal financial assistance and direct federal development.

(b) The Maryland Intergovernmental Review and Coordination Process shall facilitate the exchange of information among federal approval authorities, other proponents of federal action, and officials of general purpose governments within the State.

Section 2. Duties of the Department of State Planning

In order to carry out federal law and this Executive Order, the Department of State Planning is designated as the single point of contact for federal agencies seeking the views of State, regional, and local public officials. In this capacity, the Department shall:

(a) In accordance with procedural rules adopted by the Department for the Maryland Intergovernmental Review and Coordination Process, provide opportunities for State, regional, and local public officials to review and comment on proposed federal financial assistance and direct federal development;

(b) In consultation with State, regional, and local public officials, select the federal programs and activities to be subject to the review process;

(c) Transmit all comments resulting from the review process to federal approval authorities, either through applicants for financial assistance or directly;

(d) Facilitate the resolution of disagreements identified during the review process;

(e) Seek to formulate a single recommended course of action based on review comments;

(f) Coordinate responses when federal agencies advise that they cannot accommodate the concerns of State, regional, and local public officials;

(g) Coordinate efforts by State agencies to simplify and consolidate federally-required State plans; and

(h) Periodically prepare any necessary reports on the activities of the review process.

Effective date: September 30, 1983 (10:23 Md. R. 2054)