Chief Patron: Alexander
Enterprise Zone Outcomes Assessment (language only)

Item 105 #2s

Language
Page 92, line 3, insert "A.".
Page 92, following line 12, insert:
"B. Out of the amounts provided in this item for real property improvement grants, up to $80,000 shall be provided for an assessment of the state Enterprise Zone Program. The objective of the assessment is to find out how well the program works in encouraging business development in the zones over and above any increases that would occur in those areas absent zone designation. In addition, the assessment should assess what characteristics are most commonly associated with zone success. In conducting the assessment, a wide variety of variables should be considered including, but not limited to, geographic location, proximity to markets, infrastructure, zone administration, other non-state state incentives, and the effects of 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 methodology design and selection of the  entity chosen to conduct the assessment."

Explanation
(This amendment directs an assessment of the effectiveness of the Enterprise Zone Grant Program using existing program appropriations.)