state and regional planning

state and regional planning Sec. 735. Section 701 of the Housing Act of 1954 is amended by adding at. the end thereof the following new subsection: “(j) In carrying out the provisions of this section relating to planning for States, regions, or other multijurisdictional areas whose development has significance for purposes of national growth and urban development objectives, the Secretary shall encourage the formulation of plans and programs which will include the studies, criteria, standards, and implementing procedures necessary for effectively guiding and controlling major decisions as to where growth should take place within such States, regions, or areas. Such plans and programs shall take account of the availability of and need for conserving land and other irreplaceable natural resources; of projected changes in size, movement, and composition of population; of the necessity for expanding housing and employment opportunities: of the opportunities, requirements, and possible locations for, new communities and large-scale. projects for expanding or revitalizing existing communities; and of the need for methods of achieving modernization, simplification, and improvements in governmental structures, systems, and procedures related to growth objectives. If the Secretary determines that 84 Stat. 1805activities otherwise eligible for assistance under this section are necessary to the development or implementation of such plans and programs, he may make grants in support of such activities to any governmental agency or organization of public officials which he determines is capable of carrying out the planning work involved in an effective and efficient manner and may make such grants in an amount equal to not more than 75 per centum of the cost of such activities.”