Review Effectiveness of EZ Program (language only)

Item 105 #1h

Language
Page 92, line 3, before "Out", insert "A."
Page 92, after line 12, insert:
"B.  Out of the amounts in this item provided for real property improvement grants, up to $80,000 in the second year shall be used for a review of the state Enterprise Zone Program.  The objective is to find out how well the program works to encourage business development in zone areas above increases that would occur in those areas absent zone designation.  In addition, the Department should assess what characteristics are most commonly associated with zone success.   The evaluation should consider a wide variety of variables, including but not limited to:  geographic location, proximity to markets, infrastructure, zone administration, other non-state incentives, and the effects of any proration of grant benefits.  The Secretary of Commerce and Trade, in consultation with the Chairmen of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees, shall approve the final design of the evaluation and the entity selected to conduct the review."

Explanation
(This amendment directs the use of up to $80,000 of the funds provided for the real property improvement grants portion of the Enterprise Zone Grant program to evaluate the effectiveness of the program.)