1. (a)

   1. (1) Each year the State shall appropriate money to the Council in the State budget.
   2. (2) The State allocation is contingent on the commitment of the participating counties to contribute matching amounts equal to the amount disbursed by the State.

   3. (3)

      1. (i) On or before August 1 of each year, the Council shall submit its proposed work programs and operating budget for the following fiscal year to the Department.
      2. (ii) The submission shall include supporting schedules to show that the budget is financed and to provide for review and recommendations.
      3. (iii) After review, the Department shall forward the submission and any recommendations to the Department of Budget and Management for consideration.

   4. (4) The Department shall:

      1. (i) review, approve, and confirm the counties' commitments; and
      2. (ii) include with its budget request the budget request for the Council.
   5. (5) The Governor shall include in the State budget for the following fiscal year an appropriation to partially support the Council.

2. (b)

   1. (1) The State and Allegany, Garrett, and Washington counties may jointly finance the Council and its activities.
   2. (2) The commissioners of Allegany, Garrett, and Washington counties shall appropriate money each year to the Council to foster cooperative planning and development in the region.
   3. (3) Allegany, Garrett, and Washington counties may appropriate any other money for the Council as they consider necessary and appropriate.
   4. (4) Other political subdivisions, including special districts, may appropriate money to the Council as they consider necessary and appropriate.
3. (c) The Council may use additional money from any other public or private source.

Added by Acts 2008, c. 306, § 2, eff. Oct. 1, 2008.