Issues Concerning Implementation of a Revised Process for Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs

GAO reported on the early implementation of the revised process for intergovernmental review of federal programs which was designed to better foster an intergovernmental partnership.

GAO found that the new process relies on state and local governments to develop their own procedures for reviewing financial assistance and direct developments proposed by federal agencies. GAO identified several potential concerns: (1) the different perspectives of federal agencies and state governments as to which programs are covered by the revised process; (2) the different procedures established by the individual federal agencies for operating the review and comment process; and (3) some apparent inconsistencies between agencies' regulations implementing the process and provisions of the Demonstration Cities and Metropolitan Development Act of 1966. GAO believes that resolving these matters will help ensure that the new intergovernmental coordination process can operate as effectively and efficiently as possible.