(a)
(1) The metropolitan or regional commission shall make plans for development for the area. These plans may include, but shall not be limited to, recommendations for principal highways, bridges, airports, parks and recreational areas, schools and public institutions, and public utilities.
(2) Any metropolitan or regional plan so developed shall be based on studies of physical, social, economic, and governmental conditions and trends.
(b) The plans and its recommendations may, in whole or in part, be adopted by the governing bodies of the cooperating cities and counties as the general plans of such cities and counties.
(c)
(1) The commission may also assist the cities and counties within its area of jurisdiction in carrying out any regional plans developed by the commission; and
(2) The commission may also assist any planning commission, board, or agency of the cooperating cities or counties in the preparation or effectuation of local plans and planning consistent with the program of the commission.