Ch. 540                                       LAWS OF MARYLAND

5-507.

The [Department] OFFICE shall provide information to State
and local officials and to the public to stimulate public
interest and participation in the orderly, integrated development
of the State and to foster public awareness and understanding of:

(1)   the objectives of the State Development Plan; and

(2)   the function of State, regional, and local
planning.

5-508.

The UPON REQUEST OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, THE [Department]
OFFICE shall provide information to and cooperate with the
General Assembly and its committees in connection with the
studies made by the [Department] OFFICE relevant to State
planning.

5-602.

(a)  The [Department] OFFICE shall prepare and from time to
time revise a plan or plans for development of the State. The
plan or plans collectively shall be known as the State
Development Plan.

(b)  The [Department] OFFICE shall prepare the Plan to
promote the general welfare and prosperity of the people of the
State through the coordinated development of the State.

(c)  The [Department] OFFICE shall base the Plan on studies
of governmental, economic, physical, and social conditions and
trends.

5-603.

In the preparation and revision of the Plan or any part of
it, the [Department] OFFICE shall:

(1)  seek comments from and consult with the local
governments of the areas that are affected by the Plan; and

(2)  seek the cooperation and advice of APPROPRIATE:

(i) appropriate governmental units;

(ii) regional planning commissions;

(iii) public or private educational
institutions;

(iv) public or private research organizations;

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