1. (a) The General Assembly finds that:

   1. (1) unemployment conditions exist in many areas of the State;
   2. (2) the acquisition and improvement of facilities are essential to relieve this unemployment and establish a balanced economy in the State;
   3. (3) the health, safety, welfare, and right of gainful employment of residents throughout the State will be promoted by the acquisition and improvement of facilities;

   4. (4) the control or abatement of environmental pollution in the State, including noise pollution, is necessary to:

      1. (i) protect the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the State;
      2. (ii) protect natural resources;
      3. (iii) retain and attract industry and commercial enterprises; and
      4. (iv) promote economic development;
   5. (5) public ports in the State are valuable assets and any improvements to these ports that increase the import and export of waterborne commerce will directly benefit residents throughout the State;
   6. (6) businesses need greater access to capital markets; and
   7. (7) the availability of financial assistance under this subtitle will promote the economic development of the State.

2. (b) The purposes of this subtitle are to:

   1. (1) relieve unemployment in the State;
   2. (2) encourage the increase of industry and commerce and a balanced economy in the State;

   3. (3) help retain and attract industry and commerce through measures including:

      1. (i) port development;
      2. (ii) the control, reduction, or abatement of environmental pollution; and
      3. (iii) the utilization and disposal of wastes;
   4. (4) promote economic development;
   5. (5) protect natural resources and encourage resource recovery;
   6. (6) encourage the creation and expansion of day care facilities in the State; and
   7. (7) promote the health, safety, and welfare of residents throughout the State.

Added by Acts 2008, c. 306, § 2, eff. Oct. 1, 2008.