To avoid duplication of effort and in the interests of economy, the commission may make use of existing studies, plans, data and other materials in the possession of the governmental agencies of the party states and their respective political subdivisions. Each such agency may make those materials available to the commission and otherwise assist it in the performance of its functions. The officers and personnel of those agencies, and of any other government or agency whatever, may serve at the request of the commission upon such advisory committees and panels as the commission determines to create, and the officers and personnel may serve upon those committees and panels without forfeiture of office or employment and with no loss or diminution in the status, rights and privileges which they otherwise enjoy. [PL 1983, c. 732, §1 (NEW).]