East Arkansas Planning & Development District was created for the following purposes: To prepare and develop a district over-all economic development program for long-range economic growth which includes adequate land use and transportation planning and contains a specific program for District cooperation, self-help, and public investment. To formulate, develop, and administer a program for planning and development in order to improve economic conditions in the District in respect to unemployment, underemployment, and distressed economic conditions. To coordinate the over-all economic planning and development in the District among the member counties. To carry out such research, planning, and advisory functions as are necessary and helpful to the foregoing.