If the Secretary certifies that a public group home is needed in a county or multicounty region, the county or counties of the region, in consultation with the local consumer groups, promptly shall choose a site that meets the requirements of the State plan. Before submitting a proposed site to the Secretary, the governing body of the county where the site is located shall hold at least 1 public hearing in that county. The Secretary shall cooperate with and help the county or counties to choose a suitable site. If within 6 months after the Secretary certifies a need for a public group home, a suitable site is not submitted to the Secretary, the Secretary shall declare the county or counties to be in default. However, for good cause shown, the Secretary may extend the 6-month period not more than another 3 months. Within 3 months after the default by a county or counties, the Secretary shall: Choose a suitable site; and After holding a public hearing in the county where the site is located, recommend the site to the Board of Public Works.