118 STAT. 1757 PUBLIC LAW 108–373—OCT. 27, 2004 Sec. 603. Brownfields redevelopment report. Sec. 604. Savings clause. Sec. 605. Sense of Congress regarding Economic Development Representatives. TITLE VII—FUNDING Sec. 701. Authorization of appropriations. Sec. 702. Funding for grants for planning and grants for administrative expenses. TITLE I—GENERAL PROVISIONS SEC. 101. FINDINGS AND DECLARATIONS. Section 2 of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3121) is amended to read as follows: ‘‘SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND DECLARATIONS. ‘‘(a) FINDINGS.—Congress finds that— ‘‘(1) there continue to be areas of the United States experi encing chronic high unemployment, underemployment, out migration, and low per capita incomes, as well as areas facing sudden and severe economic dislocations because of structural economic changes, changing trade patterns, certain Federal actions (including environmental requirements that result in the removal of economic activities from a locality), and natural disasters; ‘‘(2) economic growth in the States, cities, and rural areas of the United States is produced by expanding economic opportunities, expanding free enterprise through trade, devel oping and strengthening public infrastructure, and creating a climate for job creation and business development; ‘‘(3) the goal of Federal economic development programs is to raise the standard of living for all citizens and increase the wealth and overall rate of growth of the economy by encour aging communities to develop a more competitive and diversi fied economic base by— ‘‘(A) creating an environment that promotes economic activity by improving and expanding public infrastructure; ‘‘(B) promoting job creation through increased innova tion, productivity, and entrepreneurship; and ‘‘(C) empowering local and regional communities experiencing chronic high unemployment and low per capita income to develop private sector business and attract increased private sector capital investment; ‘‘(4) while economic development is an inherently local process, the Federal Government should work in partnership with public and private State, regional, tribal, and local organizations to maximize the impact of existing resources and enable regions, communities, and citizens to participate more fully in the American dream and national prosperity; ‘‘(5) in order to avoid duplication of effort and achieve meaningful, long lasting results, Federal, State, tribal, and local economic development activities should have a clear focus, improved coordination, a comprehensive approach, and sim plified and consistent requirements; and ‘‘(6) Federal economic development efforts will be more effective if the efforts are coordinated with, and build upon, the trade, workforce investment, transportation, and technology programs of the United States.
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