((a)) ** .—** Subject to the requirements of this section, a Commission may make grants to a local development district to assist in the payment of development planning and administrative expenses.

((b))

((1)) ** .—** The amount of a grant awarded under this section may not exceed 80 percent of the administrative and planning expenses of the local development district receiving the grant.

((2)) ** .—** In the case of a State agency certified as a local development district, a grant may not be awarded to the agency under this section for more than 3 fiscal years.

((3)) ** .—** The contributions of a local development district for administrative expenses may be in cash or in kind, fairly evaluated, including space, equipment, and services.

((c)) ** .—** A local development district shall—

((1)) operate as a lead organization serving multicounty areas in the region at the local level;

((2)) assist the Commission in carrying out outreach activities for local governments, community development groups, the business community, and the public;

((3)) serve as a liaison between State and local governments, nonprofit organizations (including community-based groups and educational institutions), the business community, and citizens; and

((4)) assist the individuals and entities described in paragraph (3) in identifying, assessing, and facilitating projects and programs to promote the economic development of the region.