(a)      (1)      (i)      Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Council shall receive annual funding by appropriation in the Maryland State budget.

                  (ii)      Maryland's State allocation shall be contingent, beginning with fiscal year 1989, and continuing on a year-to-year basis thereafter, on the commitment of the participating Maryland counties to contribute 1 dollar of financial support for each dollar of financial support disbursed from the funds available in the State's budget for the Council.

                  (iii)      The Department of Business and Economic Development shall review, approve, and confirm that the counties' commitments are met and shall include a budget request for the Council with its budget request.

            (2)      (i)      On or before August 1 of each year, the Council shall submit to the Department of Business and Economic Development its proposed work programs and operating budget for the following fiscal year, together with supporting schedules to show that the budget is financed, and to provide for review and recommendations.

                  (ii)      The proposed operating budget shall then be forwarded to the Department of Budget and Management for consideration.

            (3)      (i)      Provision shall be made in the State budget for the ensuing fiscal year for an appropriation to partially support the Council.

                  (ii)      The State's contribution under this section is subject to annual review by the General Assembly.

      (b)      (1)      The Council and its activities may be financed cooperatively by the State of Maryland and Allegany, Garrett, and Washington counties and may avail itself of additional funds from any other public or private source.

            (2)      The commissioners of Allegany, Garrett, and Washington counties annually shall appropriate sums for the use of the Council.

            (3)      The appropriated sums shall be used for the purpose of fostering cooperative planning and development in the tri-county region.

            (4)      The commissioners of Allegany, Garrett, and Washington counties may appropriate any other moneys as is necessary and appropriate.

            (5)      Other political subdivisions or special purpose districts may appropriate moneys as is necessary and appropriate.