Function of commission

(a) The function of the commission shall be to act as an official comprehensive planning agency of the party states for the compact region. It shall conduct surveys, make studies, submit recommendations and prepare plans designed to aid in solving immediate and long-range problems, including but not limited to plans for development of land, housing, transportation and other public facilities. The commission shall not engage in or undertake any functions related to the operation of transportation, housing or other public facilities except that it may engage in experimental projects relating to any matters under its consideration including mass transportation demonstration projects financed as provided in Article IV of this compact. (b) The commission shall also act as a liaison to encourage coordination among and between all agencies and entities, governmental and private, charged with or having a substantial interest in the planning or providing of transportation and other public or private facilities within any part of the compact region, or in the regulation of such facilities or of their services, or in the solving of problems connected with land development. In furtherance of this function, the commission shall, through advisory committees or panels, provide for the representation and participation of officials of political subdivisions and other governmental agencies in the compact region in the development of policies, plans and programs and shall report to the party states on the regional implications of any development plans or programs proposed by any such agency or entity.