1. (1) The legislature finds and declares that economic development is a public purpose. The purpose of the big sky economic development program is to assist in economic development for Montana that will:

   1. (a) create good-paying jobs for Montana residents;
   2. (b) promote long-term, stable economic growth in Montana;
   3. (c) encourage local economic development organizations;
   4. (d) create partnerships between the state, local governments, tribal governments, and local economic development organizations that are interested in pursuing these same economic development goals;
   5. (e) retain or expand existing businesses;
   6. (f) provide a better life for future generations through greater economic growth and prosperity in Montana; and
   7. (g) encourage workforce development, including workforce training and job creation, in high-poverty counties by providing targeted assistance.
2. (2) As provided in 30-20-206, manufacturing ammunition components is a qualified economic development purpose.

History: En. Sec. 3, Ch. 588, L. 2005; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 104, L. 2007; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 460, L. 2009; amd. Sec. 11, Ch. 440, L. 2015.