Maryland Code, STATE FINANCE AND PROCUREMENT 5-505

state: means :

(1) a state, possession, territory, or commonwealth of the United States; or

(2) the District of Columbia. See

(a) To the extent relevant to State planning, the Department shall study:

(1) the resources of the State;

(2) existing and emerging problems of agriculture, commerce, housing, industry, local government, population, public service, and transportation; and

(3) related matters affecting the development of the State.

(b) In making the studies, the Department shall seek the cooperation of appropriate:

(1) governmental units;

(2) regional planning commissions;

(3) public or private educational institutions;

(4) public or private research organizations;

(5) civic groups; and

(6) interested persons.