In order to implement any of the provisions of a regional plan, which has been adopted or is in preparation, a regional planning commission may, in addition to its powers and duties under N.H. Rev. Stat. § 36:47 undertake studies and make specific recommendations on economic, industrial and commercial development within the region and carry out, with the cooperation of municipalities and/or counties within the region, economic development programs for the full development, improvement, protection and preservation of the region’s physical and human resources.