PURPOSE: The Division of Commerce and Industrial Development, in conjunction with the Division of Community and Economic Development, Department of Economic Development, has the responsibility to approve or disapprove petitions for designation as an enterprise zone. This rule establishes guidelines to assist the applicant in the implementation of an Enterprise Zone Program.

1. (1) The Enterprise Zone Program is designed to accomplish three (3) fundamental objectives. These are to a) reduce unemployment by creating jobs, b) eliminate blight through rehabilitation of area buildings and facilities and c) improve local economy by fostering new entrepreneurship. The program is designed to exclusively serve areas with a history of pervasive poverty, unemployment and general distress.
2. (2) The Division of Community and Economic Development shall administer the Enterprise Zone Program in cooperation with the Department of Revenue. The Division of Community and Economic Development shall provide necessary assistance to the applicant wishing to take advantage of the Enterprise Zone Act.

3. (3) As used in the implementation of the Enterprise Zone Act, the following terms mean:

   1. (A) Applicant is that governing authority holding primary legislative authority over a county or incorporated municipality which meets the criteria set forth under sections 135.200–135.205, RSMo and is requesting designation of its jurisdiction as an enterprise zone;
   2. (B) Blight is any condition that impairs growth, halts prosperity and causes decline or decay; and
   3. (C) Entrepreneurship is the activity of newly establishing, organizing and operating business ventures.

AUTHORITY: section 135.250, RSMo 1986.* Emergency rule filed March 2, 1984, effective March 12, 1984, expired June 12, 1984. Original rule filed March 2, 1984, effective June 11, 1984. *Original authority: 135.250, RSMo 1982, amended 1985, 1986, 1989, 1991.