A. Two or more municipalities, two or more counties or one or more municipalities and counties may enter into a joint powers agreement pursuant to the Joint Powers Agreements Act [ 11-1-1 to 11-1-7 NMSA 1978] to develop a regional essential services development plan, which may consist of existing local plans. The parties to the agreement shall be deemed a regional government for the purposes of the Essential Services Development Act.
B. The joint powers agreement shall provide for appointment of a project manager who shall be responsible for the management of projects and money from public support. The agreement may provide for a regional body consisting of representatives from the governing bodies of each local government that is a party to the agreement and may determine the powers and duties of that body in implementing the regional government's plan and providing public support for essential services projects.