(1) From and after the time when the department of economic and community development has progressed to the stage of preparing a general plan for development of the state as provided for in §§ 13-16-103 — 13-16-105, which includes at least a delineation of regions deemed viable to the economic development of the state, then the department is empowered, in cooperation with counties, municipalities and local development agencies, and in accordance with the conditions and procedures specified in this chapter, to create development districts for such regions, such districts to encompass one (1) or more counties or parts of counties, such that are conducive to efficient planning and orderly economic development of the state.
(2) A board established as hereinafter provided for shall be responsible for area-wide planning in its district.