(a) The commissioner may make or contract to make within the budgetary appropriation therefor a State grant for payment to a local agency to cover 75 percent of the cost, as determined by him, of the preparation of a comprehensive study and report, provided, however, that because of the current limitation on State aid contained in the relevant 1969 appropriation act, the amount of a State grant for such payment cannot exceed 71 percent of such cost until the current limitation is removed or modified.

(b) The local and State share of all aid funds shall be maintained in a separate bank account under the control of the fiscal officer of the local agency.

(c) Partial payments may be made. Requests for partial payments must be accompanied by a progress report outlining work completed to date. Requests for payment shall be made on vouchers furnished by the commissioner.

(d) Suitable records shall be maintained by the consultant and the agency contracting for the report. These records shall be kept on file for a period of three years after the completion of the report.