(a) For those programs and activities covered by a state process
under Sec. 17.6, the Secretary, to the extent permitted by law:
(1) Uses the official state process to determine views of state and
local elected officials; and,
(2) Communicates with state and local elected officials, through the
official state process, as early in a program planning cycle as is
reasonably feasible to explain specific plans and actions.
(b) The Secretary provides notice to directly affected state,
areawide, regional, and local entities in a state of proposed Federal
financial assistance if:
(1) The state has not adopted a process under the Order; or
(2) The assistance involves a program or activity not selected for
the state process.
This notice may be made by publication in the Federal Register or other
appropriate means, which the Department in its discretion deems
appropriate.
