7 U.S.C. § 2009bb: Multistate and local development districts and organizations and Northern Great Plains Inc.

is a planning district in existence on May 13, 2002 , that is recognized by the Economic Development Administration of the Department of Commerce; or organized and operated in a manner that ensures broad-based community participation and an effective opportunity for other nonprofit groups to contribute to the development and implementation of programs in the region; a nonprofit incorporated body organized or chartered under the law of the State in which the entity is located; a nonprofit agency or instrumentality of a State or local government; a public organization established before May 13, 2002 , under State law for creation of multijurisdictional, area-wide planning organizations; a nonprofit agency or instrumentality of a State that was established for the purpose of assisting with multistate cooperation; or a nonprofit association or combination of bodies, agencies, and instrumentalities described in clauses (ii) through (v); and inappropriately used Federal grant funds from any Federal source; or appointed an officer who, during the period in which another entity inappropriately used Federal grant funds from any Federal source, was an officer of the other entity. The Authority may make grants for administrative expenses under this section to multistate, local, and regional development districts and organizations. The amount of any grant awarded under paragraph (1) shall not exceed 80 percent of the administrative expenses of the multistate, local, or regional development district or organization receiving the grant. No grant described in paragraph (1) shall be awarded for a period greater than 3 years. The contributions of a multistate, local, or regional development district or organization for administrative expenses may be in cash or in kind, fairly evaluated, including space, equipment, and services. Except as provided in paragraph (2), a local development district shall operate as a lead organization serving multicounty areas in the region at the local level. The Federal cochairperson may designate an Indian tribe or multijurisdictional organization to serve as a lead organization in such cases as the Federal cochairperson or Secretary, as appropriate, determines appropriate. shall serve as an independent, primary resource for the Authority on issues of concern to the region; shall advise the Authority on development of international trade; may provide research, education, training, and other support to the Authority; and may carry out other activities on its own behalf or on behalf of other entities.