If a local agency joins the team, the head of that agency and the chief executive officer of the local government in which the agency is located shall agree to participate in the joint review process and abide by the project decision schedule for all locally required permits, licenses, or other approvals. Such agreement shall not negate the independent authority of the local agency or government to issue its ultimate approval or disapproval, so long as such decision is made in accordance with the project decision schedule.
T.C.A. § 13-18-105