The Secretary of Internal Affairs shall establish in the said Department of Internal Affairs a Bureau of Municipalities. The said Bureau shall gather, classify, index, make available, and disseminate data, statistical information, and advice that may be helpful in improving the methods of administration and municipal development in the several municipalities of the Commonwealth; and shall maintain, for the benefit of the municipalities, a publicity service to install or assist in the installation and establishment of modern systems of accounting in the various municipalities of the State, and in order to promote a comprehensive plan or series of plans for the probable future requirements of cities, boroughs, or townships of the Commonwealth, either separately or jointly in respect to a system of traffic thoroughfares and other highways or main highways, transportation of every sort, suitably co-ordinated sites for public buildings, parks, parkways, playgrounds, and other public uses, the preservation of natural and historic features, and any and all public improvements tending to the advantage of municipalities or townships affected, tending to their advantage as a place of business and residence, and to either make or secure or assist in making or securing the necessary surveys, plans, and information.
71 P.S. § 961