Article L5511-1 of the French General Code of Local Authorities

The department, municipalities and inter-municipal public establishments may create a public establishment between them called a departmental agency. This agency is responsible for providing technical, legal or financial assistance to local authorities and inter-municipal public establishments in the department that request it.

Original in French 🇫🇷

Article L5511-1

Le département, des communes et des établissements publics intercommunaux peuvent créer entre eux un établissement public dénommé agence départementale. Cette agence est chargée d’apporter, aux collectivités territoriales et aux établissements publics intercommunaux du département qui le demandent, une assistance d’ordre technique, juridique ou financier.