(a) A unit of local government (or combination of units) or a local area which has requested but has been denied its request for designation as a workforce development area under § 679.250 may appeal the decision to the State WDB, in accordance with appeal procedures established in the State Plan and § 683.630(a) of this chapter.

(b) If a decision on the appeal is not rendered in a timely manner or if the appeal to the State WDB does not result in designation, the entity may request review by the Secretary of Labor, under the procedures set forth at § 683.640 of this chapter.