CHAPTER 578*
DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

      Sec. 32-1. Members. Section 32-1 is repealed.

      (1949 Rev., S. 3536; 1961, P.A. 226, S. 1; 1971, P.A. 10, S. 2; 1972, P.A. 195, S. 14; P.A. 73-177, S. 2, 4; 73-599, S. 39.)

      Sec. 32-1a. Short title: State Commerce Act. This chapter and chapter 579 shall be known as and may be cited as the "State Commerce Act".

      (P.A. 73-599, S. 1; P.A. 78-303, S. 104, 136; P.A. 79-631, S. 15, 111.)

      History: P.A. 78-303 removed Sec. 4-60a as part of state commerce act; P.A. 79-631 removed Secs. 4-5, 4-24a, 10-321(a) and 36-322(a)(9) as part of state commerce act.

      Sec. 32-1b. Department of Economic and Community Development established. (a) There is established a Department of Economic and Community Development. The department head shall be the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development, who shall be appointed by the Governor in accordance with the provisions of sections 4-5 to 4-8, inclusive, with the powers and duties prescribed in said sections 4-5 to 4-8, inclusive.

      (b) Said department shall constitute a successor department to the Department of Housing in accordance with the provisions of sections 4-38d, 4-38e and 4-39.

      (c) Said department shall constitute a successor department to the Department of Economic Development in accordance with the provisions of sections 4-38d, 4-38e and 4-39.

      (d) Whenever the term "Commissioner of Housing" is used or referred to in the general statutes, the term "Commissioner of Economic and Community Development" shall be substituted in lieu thereof. Whenever the term "Department of Housing" is used or referred to in the general statutes, the term "Department of Economic and Community Development" shall be substituted in lieu thereof.

      (e) Whenever the term "Commissioner of Economic Development" is used or referred to in the general statutes, the term "Commissioner of Economic and Community Development" shall be substituted in lieu thereof. Whenever the term "Department of Economic Development" is used or referred to in the general statutes, the term "Department of Economic and Community Development" shall be substituted in lieu thereof.

      (f) If the term "Commissioner of Housing" or "Commissioner of Economic Development" is used or referred to in any public or special act of 1995 or 1996, or in any section of the general statutes which is amended in 1995 or 1996, it shall be deemed to mean or refer to the "Commissioner of Economic and Community Development".

      (g) If the term "Department of Housing" or "Department of Economic Development" is used or referred to in any public or special act of 1995 or 1996, or in any section of the general statutes which is amended in 1995 or 1996, it shall be deemed to mean or refer to the "Department of Economic and Community Development".

      (P.A. 73-599, S. 2; P.A. 77-614, S. 284, 610; P.A. 95-250, S. 1, 42; P.A. 96-211, S. 1, 5, 6.)

      History: P.A. 77-614 replaced commissioner and department of commerce with commissioner and department of economic development, effective January 1, 1979; P.A. 95-250 created the Department of Economic and Community Development from the former Department of Housing and the former Department of Economic Development and directed the necessary name changes be made throughout the general statutes and in the public and special acts of 1995 and 1996; P.A. 96-211 entirely replaced prior provisions substituting provisions establishing a Department of Economic and Community Development as successor department to the Department of Housing and the Department of Economic Development, and requiring use of terms "Department of Economic and Community Development" and "Commissioner of Economic and Community Development" to be used in general statutes and 1995 and 1996 public and special acts, effective July 1, 1996.

      See Sec. 8-37i re establishment and general scope of powers and duties of the department.

      Sec. 32-1c. Powers and duties of commissioner. (a) In addition to any other powers, duties and responsibilities provided for in this chapter, chapter 131, chapter 579 and section 4-8 and subsection (a) of section 10-409, the commissioner shall have the following powers, duties and responsibilities: (1) To administer and direct the operations of the Department of Economic and Community Development; (2) to report annually to the Governor, as provided in section 4-60; (3) to conduct and administer the research and planning functions necessary to carry out the purposes of said chapters and sections; (4) to encourage and promote the development of industry and business in the state and to investigate, study and undertake ways and means of promoting and encouraging the prosperous development and protection of the legitimate interest and welfare of Connecticut business, industry and commerce, within and outside the state; (5) to serve, ex officio as a director on the board of Connecticut Innovations, Incorporated; (6) to serve as a member of the Committee of Concern for Connecticut Jobs; (7) to promote and encourage the location and development of new business in the state as well as the maintenance and expansion of existing business and for that purpose to cooperate with state and local agencies and individuals both within and outside the state; (8) to plan and conduct a program of information and publicity designed to attract tourists, visitors and other interested persons from outside the state to this state and also to encourage and coordinate the efforts of other public and private organizations or groups of citizens to publicize the facilities and attractions of the state for the same purposes; (9) to advise and cooperate with municipalities, persons and local planning agencies within the state for the purpose of promoting coordination between the state and such municipalities as to plans and development; (10) to provide all necessary staff, services, accounting and office space and equipment required by the Connecticut Development Authority subject to the provisions of section 4b-23, where real estate acquisitions are involved; (11) to aid minority businesses in their development; (12) to appoint such assistants, experts, technicians and clerical staff, subject to the provisions of chapter 67, as are necessary to carry out the purposes of said chapters and sections; (13) to employ other consultants and assistants on a contract or other basis for rendering financial, technical or other assistance and advice, provided in implementing the Connecticut economic information system the commissioner shall to the maximum extent feasible contract with private vendors for software, certain data sets and data updating services; (14) to acquire or lease facilities located outside the state subject to the provisions of section 4b-23; (15) to advise and inform municipal officials concerning economic development and collect and disseminate information pertaining thereto, including information about federal, state and private assistance programs and services pertaining thereto; (16) to inquire into the utilization of state government resources and coordinate federal and state activities for assistance in and solution of problems of economic development and to inform and advise the Governor about and propose legislation concerning such problems; (17) to conduct, encourage and maintain research and studies relating to industrial and commercial development; (18) to prepare and review model ordinances and charters relating to these areas; (19) to maintain an inventory of data and information and act as a clearinghouse and referral agency for information on state and federal programs and services relative to the purpose set forth herein. The inventory shall include information on all federal programs of financial assistance for defense conversion projects and other projects consistent with a defense conversion strategy and shall identify businesses which would be eligible for such assistance and provide notification to such business of such programs; (20) to conduct, encourage and maintain research and studies and advise municipal officials about forms of cooperation between public and private agencies designed to advance economic development; (21) to promote and assist the formation of municipal and other agencies appropriate to the purposes of this chapter; (22) to require notice of the submission of all applications by municipalities and any agency thereof for federal and state financial assistance for economic development programs as relate to the purposes of this chapter; (23) with the approval of the Commissioner of Administrative Services, to reimburse any employee of the department, including the commissioner, for reasonable business expenses, including but not limited to, mileage, travel, lodging, and entertainment of business prospects and other persons to the extent necessary or advisable to carry out the purposes of subdivisions (4), (7), (8) and (11) of this subsection and other provisions of this chapter; (24) to assist in resolving solid waste management issues; and (25) to develop and implement the Connecticut economic information system, in consultation with the Connecticut Economic Information System Steering Committee established under section 32-6i.

      (b) The Commissioner of Economic and Community Development may make available technical and financial assistance and advisory services to any appropriate agency, authority or commission for planning and other functions pertinent to economic development provided any financial assistance to a regional planning agency or a regional council of elected officials shall have the prior approval of the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management or his designee. Financial assistance shall be rendered upon such contractual arrangements as may be agreed upon by the commissioner and any such agency, authority or commission in accordance with their respective needs, and the commissioner may determine the qualifications of personnel or consultants to be engaged for such assistance.

      (c) The Commissioner of Economic and Community Development is authorized to do all things necessary to apply for, qualify for and accept any federal funds made available or allotted under any federal act for planning or any other projects, programs or activities which may be established by federal law, for any of the purposes, or activities related thereto, of the Department of Economic and Community Development and said Commissioner of Economic and Community Development shall administer any such funds allotted to the department in accordance with federal law. The commissioner may enter into contracts with the federal government concerning the use and repayment of such funds under any such federal act, the prosecution of the work under any such contract and the establishment of any disbursement from a separate account in which federal and state funds estimated to be required for plan preparation or other eligible activities under such federal act shall be kept. Said account shall not be a part of the General Fund of the state or any subdivision of the state.

      (d) The powers and duties enumerated in this section shall be in addition to and shall not limit any other powers or duties of the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development contained in any other law.

      (P.A. 73-599, S. 3; P.A. 75-425, S. 43, 57; P.A. 77-614, S. 284, 610; P.A. 78-303, S. 105, 136; P.A. 79-598, S. 23; P.A. 80-483, S. 97, 186; P.A. 84-512, S. 16, 30; P.A. 86-258, S. 7, 8; P.A. 88-231, S. 5; P.A. 89-245, S. 4; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 92-4, S. 1, 5; P.A. 95-250, S. 1, 37, 42; 95-309, S. 11, 12; P.A. 96-211, S. 1, 5, 6.)

      History: P.A. 75-425 specified that duties cited in Subdivs. (10) and (14) are subject to provisions of Sec. 4-26b; P.A. 77-614 replaced commissioner and department of commerce with commissioner and department of economic development, effective January 1, 1979; P.A. 78-303 deleted reference to Sec. 4-60a; P.A. 79-598 deleted reference to Sec. 4-5, added references to Sec. 4-8 and chapter 131, expanded commissioner's duties by adding Subdivs. (15) to (22) and Subsecs. (b) to (d); P.A. 80-483 made technical corrections in Subsec. (a); P.A. 84-512 deleted reference to repealed Sec. 4-24a in Subsec. (a), adding reference to Sec. 4-8; P.A. 86-258 added Subdiv. (23) to Subsec. (a), re reimbursement for reasonable business expenses; P.A. 88-231 added Subdiv. (24) concerning resolution of solid waste management issues; P.A. 89-245 amended Subsec. (a) to rename Connecticut Product Development Corporation as Connecticut Innovations, Incorporated; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 92-4 amended Subsec. (a) by adding provision in Subdiv. (13) re certain contracts implementing Connecticut economic information system and adding Subdiv. (25) re development and implementation of said system; (Revisor's note: In 1993 the obsolete reference in Subsec. (a) to repealed Sec. 36-322 was deleted editorially by the Revisors and the wording adjusted accordingly); P.A. 95-250 and P.A. 96-211 substituted Department and Commissioner of Economic and Community Development for Department and Commissioner of Economic Development and P.A. 95-250 also amended Subdiv. (19) of Subsec. (a) to require the inventory to include information on all federal defense conversion projects, identify eligible businesses and provide notification to such businesses, effective July 1, 1995; P.A. 95-309 changed effective date of P.A. 95-250 but did not affect this section.

      See Secs. 8-37i, 32-1b re establishment and general scope and duties of the department.

      Sec. 32-1d. Deputy commissioner, appointment and functions. The commissioner shall appoint a Deputy Commissioner of Economic and Community Development who shall be qualified by training and experience for the duties of the office of commissioner and shall, in the absence, disability or disqualification of the commissioner, perform all the functions and have all the powers and duties of said office. The position of the Deputy Commissioner of Economic and Community Development shall be exempt from the classified service.

      (P.A. 73-599, S. 4; P.A. 77-614, S. 284, 610; P.A. 95-250, S. 1; P.A. 96-211, S. 1, 5, 6.)

      History: P.A. 77-614 replaced deputy commissioner of commerce with deputy commissioner of economic development, effective January 1, 1979; P.A. 95-250 and P.A. 96-211 replaced Commissioner and Department of Economic Development with Commissioner and Department of Economic and Community Development.

      See Sec. 4-8 re appointment of deputies.

      Sec. 32-1e. Plan for support and promotion of industries using recycled materials. (a) The Commissioner of Economic and Community Development, in consultation with the Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority and the Commissioner of Environmental Protection, shall prepare a plan for the support and promotion of industries that use, process or transport recycled materials. The plan shall outline ways existing programs of the Department of Economic and Community Development, the Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority and agencies such as the Department of Environmental Protection, the Connecticut Development Authority and Connecticut Innovations, Incorporated will be used to promote such industries.

      (b) Such plan shall be completed on or before July 1, 2007.

      (P.A. 88-231, S. 6; P.A. 89-130, S. 3, 4; 89-245, S. 5; P.A. 93-382, S. 18, 69; P.A. 95-250, S. 1; P.A. 96-211, S. 1, 5, 6; P.A. 06-27, S. 1.)

      History: P.A. 89-130 extended time for completion of the plan from March 1, 1989, to July 1, 1989, and extended time for initial report to the municipal solid waste recycling advisory council from August 1, 1989, to December 1, 1989; P.A. 89-245 amended Subsec. (a) to rename Connecticut Product Development Corporation as Connecticut Innovations, Incorporated; P.A. 93-382 amended Subsec. (b) to delete requirement that reports be submitted to the environment committee, effective July 1, 1993; P.A. 95-250 and P.A. 96-211 replaced Commissioner and Department of Economic Development with Commissioner and Department of Economic and Community Development; P.A. 06-27 amended Subsec. (a) to add provisions re Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority, Commissioner and Department of Environmental Protection and Connecticut Development Authority, to delete provision re plan preparation deadline and update and to change provision re industries that use recycled materials to those that "use, process or transport recycled materials" and amended Subsec. (b) to extend time for completion of plan from July 1, 1989, to July 1, 2007, and to delete provision re implementation report, effective May 8, 2006.

      Sec. 32-1f. (Formerly Sec. 16a-35b). Duties of commissioner re Connecticut's future. The Commissioner of Economic and Community Development shall have the following duties and powers:

      (1) To carry out a futures program to study and forecast the quality of life in Connecticut in the future;

      (2) To build an awareness of, and concern for, Connecticut's future among residents of the state;

      (3) To identify the opportunities and constraints which may affect the quality of life in Connecticut in the future;

      (4) To study the effects of changing social, economic, technological and environmental conditions upon the quality of life in Connecticut in the future;

      (5) To analyze and interpret available information and data concerning Connecticut's future;

      (6) To develop alternatives for achieving the best possible future for Connecticut;

      (7) To offer members of the public the opportunity to voice their views, suggestions and ideas on future alternatives;

      (8) To monitor other public groups involved in research on the future of the state; and

      (9) To maintain a library containing all records from public and private sectors on the subject of Connecticut's future.

Each state agency and department shall cooperate with the commissioner in carrying out such duties and shall permit the Department of Economic and Community Development to have access to records and data needed for the performance of those duties.

      (P.A. 84-512, S. 2, 30; P.A. 89-362, S. 1, 5; P.A. 93-382, S. 9, 69; P.A. 95-250, S. 1; P.A. 96-211, S. 1, 5, 6.)

      History: P.A. 89-362 transferred duties and powers of commission on Connecticut's future to commissioner of economic development due to elimination of commission; Sec. 16a-35b transferred to Sec. 32-1f in 1991; P.A. 93-382 deleted former Subdiv. (10) re annual report to governor and general assembly, effective July 1, 1993; P.A. 95-250 and P.A. 96-211 replaced Commissioner and Department of Economic Development with Commissioner and Department of Economic and Community Development.

      Sec. 32-1g. Connecticut competitiveness index. (a) The Connecticut Economic Conference Board, in consultation with the Department of Economic and Community Development and The University of Connecticut, shall establish a Connecticut competitiveness index to monitor the competitiveness of Connecticut as a place to do business, including, but not limited to, how programs and policies of the state government affect the economy and the business environment. The board shall use the Connecticut economic information system developed pursuant to section 32-6i and the Regional Economic Models, Inc. (REMI) system to establish and compile the scores for the index.

      (b) On or before January 1, 1994, the board shall publish a list of the proposed components of the index and the proposed methodology for compiling the score for the index. The board shall seek public comment on the list and methodology and shall publish a final list and methodology by February 15, 1994.

      (c) Not later than February 15, 1994, and annually thereafter, the board shall submit to the Governor and the General Assembly the score for the index for the preceding calendar year.

      (d) The expenses incurred by the board pursuant to this section shall be paid by the Department of Economic and Community Development and The University of Connecticut from existing budgetary resources.

      (P.A. 93-210, S. 1, 3; P.A. 95-250, S. 1; P.A. 96-211, S. 1, 5, 6.)

      History: P.A. 93-210 effective June 23, 1993; P.A. 95-250 and P.A. 96-211 replaced Commissioner and Department of Economic Development with Commissioner and Department of Economic and Community Development.

      Secs. 32-1h to 32-1j. Reports re financial assistance programs administered by commissioner. Reports re program objectives, measures and standards; economic analysis of program performance. Reports re sectors of state economy. Sections 32-1h to 32-1j, inclusive, are repealed, effective October 1, 2005.

      (P.A. 93-382, S. 1, 6, 7, 69; P.A. 95-250, S. 1, 38, 42; 95-309, S. 11, 12; P.A. 96-211, S. 1, 5, 6; P.A. 00-212, S. 3; P.A. 01-96, S. 1; P.A. 03-26, S. 1; 03-197, S. 1; P.A. 05-191, S. 12.)

      Sec. 32-1k. Definitions. As used in sections 8-244b to 8-244d, inclusive, this section and section 32-1l, the following terms shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates another meaning and intent:

      (1) "Department" means the Department of Economic and Community Development;

      (2) "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development;

      (3) "CDA" means the Connecticut Development Authority, as created under chapter 579;

      (4) "CHFA" means the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, as created under chapter 134;

      (5) "CII" means Connecticut Innovations, Incorporated, as created under chapter 581; and

      (6) "SHA" means the State Housing Authority as created under section 8-244b.

      (P.A. 95-250, S. 2, 42; 95-309, S. 11, 12.)

      History: P.A. 95-309 changed effective date of P.A. 95-250 but did not affect this section.

      Sec. 32-1l. Powers. In addition to his other powers and duties, the commissioner shall have the following powers and duties:

      (1) To utilize the department's resources for planning and developing an economic and community development reorganization plan which (A) sets forth policy goals for the department, (B) determines strategies to encourage economic and community development and the provision of housing in this state, including housing for very low, low and moderate income families, (C) determines the feasibility of dividing the operation of programs and resources of the state in support of economic and community development between and among the department and CDA, CHFA and CII, (D) identifies strategies to increase the leverage of resources of the state used in furtherance of the purposes of CDA, CHFA and CII, (E) identifies, if feasible, divisions and recommends a timetable and procedures for transferring resources and operations between and among the department and CDA, CHFA and CII and (F) recommends specific economic and community development objectives and administrative structures for the department and CDA, CHFA and CII. In developing such plan, the department shall be the lead agency, in collaboration with CDA, CHFA and CII, for research, planning and development of the plan and shall solicit community and regional input in the preparation of such plan in such a manner as will best help develop, clarify or further state policies for economic and community development. The commissioner shall submit a copy of the reorganization plan to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to commerce and planning and development;

      (2) To propose to the Governor on or before January 1, 1996, legislation to implement the economic and community development reorganization plan described in subdivision (1) of this section;

      (3) Notwithstanding the provisions of the general statutes or any special act and with the approval of the Treasurer and the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, to transfer to CDA, CHFA and CII: (A) Any revenues received by the department or the state in connection with any program or project of the department and the right to receive any such revenues; and (B) any loan assets or equity interests held by the department in connection with any program or project of the department; provided, no such transfer shall be approved by the Treasurer or the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management if either determines that such transfer could adversely affect the tax-exempt status of any bonds of the state, the substantial interests of third parties, the financial budget of the state or other essential rights, interests, or prerogatives of the state. The commissioner may impose such conditions as he deems necessary or appropriate with respect to the use by CDA, CHFA or CII of any revenues, rights, assets, interests or amounts transferred to it by the department under this subdivision; provided, the commissioner may waive any requirement under this subdivision for the adoption of written procedures until July 1, 1996;

      (4) To award to CDA, CHFA or CII financial, technical or other assistance. Financial assistance awarded by the department to CDA, CHFA or CII may take any of the following forms, subject to any conditions imposed by the department: (A) Grants; (B) loans; (C) guarantees; (D) contracts of insurance; and (E) investments. In addition, to the extent funds or resources are available to the department for such purposes, the commissioner may provide such further financial or other assistance to CDA, CHFA and CII as the commissioner in his sole discretion deems appropriate for any of the purposes of CDA, CHFA and CII respectively;

      (5) To enter into such agreements with CDA, CHFA and CII as may be appropriate for the purpose of performing its duties which agreements may include, but shall not be limited to, provisions for the delivery of services by CDA, CHFA and CII to third parties, provisions for payment by the department to CDA, CHFA or CII for the delivery of such services, provisions for advances and reimbursements to the department for any expenses incurred or to be incurred by it in delivery of any services, assistance, revenues, rights, assets and interests and provisions for the sharing with CDA, CHFA or CII of assistants, agents and other consultants, professionals and employees, and facilities and other real and personal property used in the conduct of the department's affairs; and

      (6) To provide financial assistance for economic development projects directly or in participation with the Connecticut Development Authority, to purchase participation interests in loans made by the Connecticut Development Authority and enter into any agreements or contracts it deems necessary or convenient in connection with such loans.

      (P.A. 95-250, S. 3, 42; 95-309, S. 11, 12; P.A. 96-68, S. 1; P.A. 97-211, S. 2, 7.)

      History: P.A. 95-309 changed effective date of P.A. 95-250 but did not affect this section (Revisor's note: In Subdiv. (4) numeric Subpara. indicators were replaced editorially by the Revisors with alphabetic indicators for consistency with customary statutory usage); P.A. 96-68 deleted Subdiv. (6) re establishment of separate bureaus of economic development and housing and community development; P.A. 97-211 added new Subdiv. (6) re financial assistance for economic development projects and participation of the commissioner in assistance provided by the Connecticut Development Authority, effective June 24, 1997.

      Sec. 32-1m. Annual report re activities of Department of Economic and Community Development. Not later than February 1, 2006, and annually thereafter, the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development shall submit a report to the Governor and the General Assembly, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a. Not later than thirty days after submission of the report to the Governor and the General Assembly, said commissioner shall post the report on the Department of Economic and Community Development's web site. Said report shall include, but not be limited to, the following information with regard to the activities of the Department of Economic and Community Development during the preceding state fiscal year:

      (1) A brief description and assessment of the state's economy during such year, utilizing the most recent and reasonably available data, and including:

      (A) Connecticut employment by industry;

      (B) Connecticut and national average unemployment;

      (C) Connecticut gross state product, by industry;

      (D) Connecticut productivity, by industry, compared to the national average;

      (E) Connecticut manufacturing activity;

      (F) Identification of economic and competitive conditions affecting Connecticut's industry sectors, problems resulting from these conditions and state efforts to address the problems; and

      (G) Any other economic information that the commissioner deems appropriate.

      (2) A statement of the department's economic and community development objectives, measures of program success and standards for granting financial and nonfinancial assistance under programs administered by the department.

      (3) An analysis of the economic development portfolio of the department, including:

      (A) A list of the names, addresses and locations of all recipients of the department's assistance;

      (B) The following information concerning each recipient of such assistance: (i) Business activities, (ii) standard industrial classification codes or North American industrial classification codes, (iii) number of full-time jobs and part-time jobs at the time of application, (iv) number of actual full-time jobs and actual part-time jobs at application during the preceding state fiscal year, (v) whether the recipient is a minority or woman-owned business, (vi) a summary of the terms and conditions for the assistance, including the type and amount of state financial assistance, job creation or retention requirements and anticipated wage rates, (vii) the amount of investments from private and other nonstate sources that have been leveraged by the assistance, (viii) the extent to which employees of the recipient participate in health benefit plans offered by such recipient, (ix) the extent to which the recipient offers unique economic, social, cultural or aesthetic attributes to the municipality in which the recipient is located or to the state, and (x) the amount of state investment;

      (C) A portfolio analysis, including (i) an analysis of the wages paid by recipients of financial assistance, (ii) the average portfolio wage, median portfolio wage, highest and lowest portfolio wage, (iii) portfolio wage data by industry, and (iv) portfolio wage data by municipality;

      (D) An investment analysis, including (i) total portfolio value, (ii) total investment by industry, (iii) portfolio dollar per job average, (iv) portfolio leverage ratio, and (v) percentage of financial assistance which was provided to high performance work organizations in the preceding state fiscal year; and

      (E) An analysis of the estimated economic effects of the department's economic development investments on the state's economy, including (i) contribution to gross state product for the total economic development portfolio and for any investment activity occurring in the preceding state fiscal year, (ii) direct and indirect employment created by the investments for the total portfolio and for any investment activity occurring in the preceding state fiscal year, (iii) productivity of recipients of financial assistance as a result of the department's investment occurring in the preceding state fiscal year, (iv) directly or indirectly increased property values in the municipalities in which the recipients of assistance are located, and (v) personal income.

      (4) An analysis of the community development portfolio of the department, including:

      (A) A list of the names, addresses and locations of all recipients of the department's assistance;

      (B) The following information concerning each recipient of such assistance: (i) Amount of state investment, (ii) a summary of the terms and conditions for the department's assistance, including the type and amount of state financial assistance, and (iii) the amount of investments from private and other nonstate sources that have been leveraged by such assistance;

      (C) An investment analysis, including (i) total active portfolio value, (ii) total investments made in the preceding state fiscal year, (iii) total portfolio by municipality, (iv) total investments made in the preceding state fiscal year categorized by municipality, (v) total portfolio leverage ratio, and (vi) leverage ratio of the total investments made in the preceding state fiscal year; and

      (D) An analysis of the estimated economic effects of the department's economic development investments on the state's economy, including (i) contribution to gross state product for the total portfolio and for any investment activity occurring in the preceding state fiscal year, (ii) direct and indirect employment created by the investments for the total portfolio and for any investment activity occurring in the preceding state fiscal year, (iii) productivity of recipients of financial assistance as a result of the department's investment occurring in the preceding state fiscal year, (iv) directly or indirectly increased property values in the municipalities in which the recipients are located, and (v) personal income.

      (5) A summary of the department's economic and community development marketing efforts in the preceding state fiscal year, a summary of the department's business recruitment strategies and activities in such year, and a summary of the department's efforts to assist small businesses and minority business enterprises in such year.

      (6) A summary of the department's international trade efforts in the preceding state fiscal year, and, to the extent possible, a summary of foreign direct investment that occurred in the state in such year.

      (7) Identification of existing economic clusters, the formation of new economic clusters and the measures taken by the commissioner during the preceding state fiscal year to encourage the growth of economic clusters.

      (8) (A) A summary of the department's brownfield-related efforts and activities within the Office of Brownfield Remediation and Development established pursuant to subsections (a) to (f), inclusive, of section 32-9cc in the preceding state fiscal year, except for activity under the Special Contaminated Property Remediation and Insurance Fund program. Such efforts shall include, but not be limited to, (i) total portfolio investment in brownfield remediation projects, (ii) total investment in brownfield remediation projects in the preceding state fiscal year, (iii) total number of brownfield remediation projects, (iv) total number of brownfield remediation projects in the preceding state fiscal year, (v) total of reclaimed and remediated acreage, (vi) total of reclaimed and remediated acreage in the preceding state fiscal year, (vii) leverage ratio for the total portfolio investment in brownfield remediation projects, and (viii) leverage ratio for the total portfolio investment in brownfield remediation projects in the preceding state fiscal year. Such summary shall include a list of such brownfield remediation projects and, for each such project, the name of the developer and the location by street address and municipality and a tracking of all funds administered through or by said office; and

      (B) A summary of the department's efforts with regard to the Special Contaminated Property Remediation and Insurance Fund, including, but not limited to, (i) the number of applications received in the preceding state fiscal year, (ii) the number and amounts of loans made in such year, (iii) the names of the applicants for such loans, (iv) the average time period between submission of application and the decision to grant or deny the loan, (v) a list of the applications approved and the applications denied and the reasons for such denials, and (vi) for each project, the location by street address and municipality.

      (9) The following concerning enterprise zones designated under section 32-70:

      (A) A statement of the current goals for enterprise zones;

      (B) A statement of the current performance standards to measure the progress of municipalities that have enterprise zones in attaining the goals for such zones;

      (C) A report from each municipality that has an enterprise zone, which evaluates the progress of the municipality in meeting the performance standards established under subsection (a) of section 32-70a; and

      (D) An assessment of the performance of each enterprise zone based on information collected under subparagraph (C) of this subdivision.

      (10) With regard to the department's housing-development-related functions and activities:

      (A) A brief description and assessment of the state's housing market during the preceding state fiscal year, utilizing the most recent and reasonably available data, and including, but not be limited to, (i) a brief description of the significant characteristics of such market, including supply, demand and condition and cost of housing, and (ii) any other information that the commissioner deems appropriate;

      (B) An analysis of the progress of the public and private sector toward meeting housing needs in the state, using building permit data from the United States Census Bureau and demolition data from Connecticut municipalities;

      (C) A list of municipalities that meet the affordable housing criteria set forth in subsection (k) of section 8-30g, pursuant to regulations that the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development shall adopt pursuant to the provisions of chapter 54. For the purpose of determining the percentage required by subsection (k) of said section 8-30g, the commissioner shall use as the denominator the number of dwelling units in the municipality, as reported in the most recent United States decennial census;

      (D) A statement of the department's housing development objectives, measures of program success and standards for granting financial and nonfinancial assistance under programs administered by said commissioner.

      (11) A presentation of the state-funded housing development portfolio of the department, including:

      (A) A list of the names, addresses and locations of all recipients of such assistance; and

      (B) For each such recipient, (i) a summary of the terms and conditions for the assistance, including the type and amount of state financial assistance, (ii) the amount of investments from private and other nonstate sources that have been leveraged by the assistance, (iii) the number of new units to be created and the number of units to be preserved at the time of the application, and (iv) the number of actual new units created and number of units preserved.

      (12) An analysis of the state-funded housing development portfolio of the department, including:

      (A) An investment analysis, including the (i) total active portfolio value, (ii) total investment made in the preceding state fiscal year, (iii) portfolio dollar per new unit created, (iv) estimated dollars per new unit created for projects receiving an assistance award in the preceding state fiscal year, (v) portfolio dollars per unit preserved, (vi) estimated dollar per unit preserved for projects receiving an assistance award in the preceding state fiscal year, (vii) portfolio leverage ratio, and (viii) leverage ratio for housing development investments made in the preceding state fiscal year; and

      (B) A production and preservation analysis, including (i) the total number of units created, itemized by municipality for the total portfolio and projects receiving an assistance award in the preceding state fiscal year, (ii) the total number of elderly units created for the total portfolio and for projects receiving an assistance award in the preceding state fiscal year, (iii) the total number of family units created for the total portfolio and for projects receiving an assistance award in the preceding state fiscal year, (iv) the total number of units preserved, itemized by municipality for the total portfolio and projects receiving an assistance award in the preceding state fiscal year, (v) the total number of elderly units preserved for the total portfolio and for projects receiving an assistance award in the preceding state fiscal year, (vi) the total number of family units preserved for the total portfolio and for projects receiving an assistance award in the preceding state fiscal year, (vii) an analysis by income group, of households served by the department's housing construction, substantial rehabilitation, purchase and rental assistance programs, for each housing development, if applicable, and for each program, including number of households served under each program by race and data for all households, and (viii) a summary of the department's efforts in promoting fair housing choice and racial and economic integration, including data on the racial composition of the occupants and persons on the waiting list of each housing project that is assisted under any housing program established by the general statutes or a special act or that is supervised by the department, provided no information shall be required to be disclosed by any occupant or person on a waiting list for the preparation of such summary. As used in this subparagraph, "elderly units" means dwelling units for which occupancy is restricted by age, and "family units" means dwelling units for which occupancy is not restricted by age.

      (13) An economic impact analysis of the department's housing development efforts and activities, including, but not limited to:

      (A) The contribution of such efforts and activities to the gross state product;

      (B) The direct and indirect employment created by the investments for the total housing development portfolio and for any investment activity for such portfolio occurring in the preceding state fiscal year; and

      (C) Personal income in the state.

      (14) With regard to the department's energy conservation loan program:

      (A) The number of loans or deferred loans made during the preceding fiscal year under each component of such program and the total amount of the loans or deferred loans made during such fiscal year under each such component;

      (B) A description of each step of the loan or deferred loan application and review process;

      (C) The location of each loan or deferred loan application intake site for such program;

      (D) The average period for the processing of loan or deferred loan applications during such fiscal year; and

      (E) The total administrative expenses of such program for such fiscal year.

      (15) A summary of the total social and economic impact of the department's efforts and activities in the areas of economic, community and housing development and an assessment of the department's performance in terms of meeting its stated goals and objectives.

      (P.A. 05-191, S. 1; P.A. 06-184, S. 2; 06-196, S. 265.)

      History: P.A. 06-184 amended Subdiv. (8) by making a technical change and adding reference to Office of Brownfield Remediation and Development and summary requirement re "tracking of all funds administered through or by said office" and made technical changes in Subdiv. (12)(B), effective July 1, 2006; P.A. 06-196 made technical changes in Subdiv. (12)(B), effective June 7, 2006.

      Sec. 32-1n. Reports re funding for economic and industry cluster initiatives. Not later than December 31, 2006, the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development shall prepare a report (1) indicating any amount of funds allocated by the Department of Economic and Community Development during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2006, for economic and industry cluster initiatives, and (2) including recommendations concerning the adequacy of such funds, and shall submit such report to the Governor and the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to commerce, finance, revenue and bonding and appropriations, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a.

      (P.A. 05-276, S. 1.)

      History: P.A. 05-276 effective July 13, 2005.

      Secs. 32-2 and 32-2a. Expenses; director. Bonding of commission members and employees. Sections 32-2 and 32-2a are repealed.

      (1949 Rev., S. 3537; 1972, P.A. 195, S. 12, 15; June, 1972, P.A. 1, S. 14; P.A. 73-599, S. 39; P.A. 74-338, S. 62, 94.)

      Sec. 32-3. Duties of department; Connecticut Development Authority. (a) The department shall:

      (1) Study and investigate conditions affecting Connecticut industry, business, commerce, agriculture and recreational and residential facilities and prepare and recommend plans for and promote and encourage the preservation, expansion and development of such industry, business, commerce, agriculture and recreational and residential facilities within and without the state;

      (2) Prepare and recommend plans for and promote and encourage the location and development of new industry, business, commerce, agriculture and recreational and residential facilities in the state;

      (3) Collect, compile and disseminate information relative to the natural and economic resources of the state;

      (4) Cooperate with promotional, planning and research groups and associations, with agencies of the state and its political subdivisions and with agencies of the federal government and other states, in the execution of its duties;

      (5) Furnish technical, secretarial and clerical assistance to organizations when it deems that the giving of such assistance will promote the objects of this chapter.

      (b) Each officer, board, commission or department of the state government shall assist said department and authority in the performance of their duties, and the department and the authority shall have access to all available information collected by any state agency. The department and authority shall assist, as appropriate, other state agencies in their duties upon request and shall make available to them all information collected by them.

      (1949 Rev., S. 3538; 1953, S. 1893d; February, 1965, P.A. 492, S. 1; 1972, P.A. 195, S. 16; P.A. 73-599, S. 19.)

      History: 1965 act required commission to prepare and recommend plans to promote and encourage established business and to promote and encourage new business, etc. and required commission to assist other state agencies and make information available to them; 1972 act required commission to carry out provisions of industrial assistance act; P.A. 73-599 replaced Connecticut development commission with department of commerce and Connecticut development authority and divided section into Subsecs., redesignating Subdivs. with numeric indicators accordingly.

      Cited. 150 C. 342.

      Secs. 32-3a, 32-3b and 32-4. Industrial modernization program; advisory committee. Advisory Committee on High Unemployment Areas; appointment; duties. Meetings; regulations; reports; audits. Sections 32-3a, 32-3b and 32-4 are repealed.

      (1949 Rev., S. 3539; September, 1957, P.A. 11, S. 13; 1972, P.A. 195, S. 17; 224, S. 1-3; P.A. 73-177, S. 3, 4; 73-599, S. 39; P.A. 75-542, S. 1, 2; P.A. 77-614, S. 284, 609, 610; P.A. 83-487, S. 32, 33.)

      Sec. 32-4a. Assistance to Connecticut Economic Resource Center, Incorporated. The state, acting through the Department of Economic and Community Development or any other state agency, governmental entity or the private sector, may, within available appropriations, provide financial assistance, lend staff or provide other in-kind contributions to the Connecticut Economic Resource Center, Incorporated.

      (P.A. 93-382, S. 54, 69; P.A. 95-250, S. 1; P.A. 96-211, S. 1, 5, 6.)

      History: P.A. 93-382 effective July 1, 1993; P.A. 95-250 and P.A. 96-211 replaced Commissioner and Department of Economic Development with Commissioner and Department of Economic and Community Development.

      Sec. 32-4b. State Economic Development Advisory Board. The Commissioner of Economic and Community Development shall establish a State Economic Development Advisory Board consisting of executives of Connecticut utilities, other major industries and nonprofit organizations, the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development and other state, regional and municipal officials. The board shall advise the commissioner with regard to (1) marketing the state and its economic development programs and (2) business recruitment, expansion and retention activities. The board shall also develop a plan for raising and spending funds for such purposes.

      (P.A. 93-382, S. 55, 69; P.A. 95-250, S. 1; P.A. 96-211, S. 1, 5, 6.)

      History: P.A. 93-382 effective July 1, 1993; P.A. 95-250 and P.A. 96-211 replaced Commissioner and Department of Economic Development with Commissioner and Department of Economic and Community Development.

      Secs. 32-4c and 32-4d. Reserved for future use.

      Sec. 32-4e. Definition of economic cluster. As used in sections 32-4f to 32-4h, inclusive, "economic cluster" means a grouping of industries linked together through customer, supplier or other relationships.

      (P.A. 96-252, S. 1, 8.)

      History: P.A. 96-252 effective July 1, 1996.

      Sec. 32-4f. (Formerly Sec. 4-70d). Connecticut Economic Conference Board. Economic cluster conference and report. (a) There is created a Connecticut Economic Conference Board. Said board shall consist of (1) the Governor, or his designee; (2) the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development; (3) the Commissioner of Higher Education and the commissioners of four state agencies in the executive department which have jurisdiction over matters of importance to economic clusters, who shall be appointed by the Governor; (4) the chairpersons and ranking members of the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to commerce, finance, revenue and bonding, and education; (5) a representative of each of the following areas: (A) Technology research, discovery or deployment, who shall be appointed by the president pro tempore of the Senate; (B) workforce training, job retention or human resources, who shall be appointed by the majority leader of the Senate; (C) financial or venture capital, who shall be appointed by the minority leader of the Senate; (D) telecommunications, energy, transportation or other physical infrastructure, who shall be appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives; (E) regulatory, taxes or other financial services, who shall be appointed by the majority leader of the House of Representatives; (F) environmental, housing, the arts or any other aspect of quality of life, who shall be appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives; and (6) two economists, who shall be appointed by the Governor. Each member of the board described in subdivision (2), (3) or (4) of this subsection may designate a deputy to represent him as a member at meetings of the board, with full powers to act and vote in his behalf. All appointments under subdivisions (3), (5) and (6) of this subsection shall be made by October 1, 1996. The persons initially appointed under subparagraphs (A) and (D) of subdivision (5) of this subsection shall serve for a term of three years from October 1, 1996, the persons initially appointed under subparagraphs (B) and (E) of said subdivision shall serve for a term of two years from October 1, 1996, and the persons initially appointed under subparagraphs (C) and (F) of said subdivision shall serve for a term of one year from October 1, 1996. Thereafter all persons appointed under said subdivision (5) shall serve for terms of three years from October first in the year of their appointment. Any vacancy under said subdivision shall be filled by the appointing authority. Each member of the board shall serve without compensation. The board shall choose a chairman from among its members.

      (b) The Governor shall schedule and convene the first meeting of the board after the initial appointment of members under subdivisions (3), (5) and (6) of subsection (a) of this section. Such meeting shall be held no later than November 1, 1996.

      (c) Not later than January 1, 1998, and annually thereafter, the board shall submit a report to the Governor, the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development and the General Assembly on the state of economic clusters in the state and the nation. Such report shall include, but not be limited to, analyses of (1) the growth, maturity and decline of existing economic clusters and (2) the formation of new economic clusters which employ emerging technologies. The board shall annually hold an economic cluster conference for the purpose of gathering information for such report. The board shall invite to the conference, business leaders, government officials and higher education faculty who work in, support or study economic clusters.

      (June Sp. Sess. P.A. 91-3, S. 130, 168; P.A. 92-44, S. 1, 2; 92-65, S. 1, 2; P.A. 93-196, S. 1, 3; 93-210, S. 2, 3; P.A. 95-250, S. 1; P.A. 96-211, S. 1, 5, 6; 96-252, S. 2, 8; P.A. 97-238, S. 6.)

      History: P.A. 92-44 added commissioner of economic development or his designee to board; P.A. 92-65 amended section to expand the one-month periods of November and February for the holding of conferences to two-month periods of November and December and of February and March; P.A. 93-196 amended Subsec. (b)(2) to eliminate specific time periods for holding conferences, effective June 23, 1993; P.A. 93-210 amended Subsec. (a) by adding two economists to board, appointed by majority leaders, effective June 23, 1993; P.A. 95-250 and P.A. 96-211 replaced Commissioner of Economic Development with Commissioner of Economic and Community Development; P.A. 96-252 entirely replaced previous provisions re board, effective July 1, 1996; Sec. 4-70d transferred to Sec. 32-4f in 1997; P.A. 97-238 amended Subsec. (a) to add to the board the Commissioner of Higher Education and the chairpersons and ranking members of the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to education.

      Sec. 32-4g. Economic cluster report by the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development. Section 32-4g is repealed, effective October 1, 2005.

      (P.A. 96-252, S. 3, 8; P.A. 05-191, S. 12.)

      Sec. 32-4h. Economic cluster bond funds report. Not later than August 1, 1997, and annually thereafter, the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development, the chairperson of the board of directors of the Connecticut Development Authority and the chairperson of the board of directors of Connecticut Innovations, Incorporated shall submit a report to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to the Department of Economic and Community Development, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a, which details the amount of bond funds expended during the previous fiscal year on each economic cluster in the state by the state agency or quasi-public agency administered by such commissioner or chairperson.

      (P.A. 96-252, S. 4, 8.)

      History: P.A. 96-252 effective July 1, 1996.

      Sec. 32-5. Receipts. The department is authorized to receive and to pay over to the State Treasurer any moneys from any source, including contributions made for the purposes of said department by individuals, corporations or associations, or any amounts from the sale of any printed matter or other material. Such receipts when so turned over to the State Treasurer shall become part of the General Fund of the state, provided any such contributions shall be deemed to be appropriated for the purposes designated by the contributors and shall be allotted in accordance with law. The department is further empowered to enter into a contract or contracts from time to time for the purposes of this chapter, such obligations to be met from any appropriation or other funds made available to it, as herein provided. No provision of this chapter shall be construed to restrict or prohibit the department from receiving or accepting funds from any source, including funds from federal, state or municipal governments or from private sources, for any of the purposes, or activities related thereto, of this chapter.

      (1949 Rev., S. 3540; 1959, P.A. 355, S. 1; February, 1965, P.A. 232, S. 1; 492, S. 2; P.A. 73-599, S. 20.)

      History: 1959 act removed power of commission to expend receipts and provided for appropriation of contributions and allotment in accordance with law; 1965 acts specified commission's right to receive and accept funds from any source; P.A. 73-599 replaced Connecticut development commission with department of commerce, here referred to simply as "department", (P.A. 77-614 replaced commerce department with department of economic development).

      See Sec. 32-8 re administration of federal funds.

      Sec. 32-5a. Conditions re relocation of certain businesses which received state financial assistance. The Commissioner of Economic and Community Development and the board of directors of the Connecticut Development Authority shall require, as a condition of any financial assistance provided on and after June 23, 1993, under any program administered by the Department of Economic and Community Development or such authority to any business organization, that such business organization: (1) Shall not relocate outside of the state for ten years after receiving such assistance or during the term of a loan or loan guarantee, whichever is longer, unless the full amount of the assistance is repaid to the state and a penalty equal to five per cent of the total assistance received is paid to the state and (2) shall, if the business organization relocates within the state during such period, offer employment at the new location to its employees from the original location if such employment is available. For the purposes of subdivision (1) of this section, the value of a guarantee shall be equal to the amount of the state's liability under the guarantee. As used in this section, "relocate" means the physical transfer of the operations of a business in its entirety or of any division of a business which independently receives any financial assistance from the state from the location such business or division occupied at the time it accepted the financial assistance to another location. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development shall adopt regulations in accordance with chapter 54 to establish the terms and conditions of repayment, including specifying the conditions under which repayment may be deferred, following a determination by the commissioner of a legitimate hardship.

      (P.A. 88-146; P.A. 93-218, S. 1, 4; 93-360, S. 14, 19; P.A. 95-250, S. 1; P.A. 96-211, S. 1, 5, 6.)

      History: P.A. 93-218 applied requirements of the section to any financial assistance, instead of loans and grants only, provided by Connecticut development authority and Connecticut Innovations, Incorporated, as well as commissioner of economic development, to any business organization instead of only those with twenty-five or more employees, extended period of time for condition on not relocating out of state from three to ten years, imposed penalty on relocating during such period and added provision specifying value of a guarantee for purposes of Subdiv. (1), effective June 23, 1993; P.A. 93-360 exempted financial assistance provided by Connecticut Innovations, Incorporated from requirements of the section, effective June 14, 1993; P.A. 95-250 and P.A. 96-211 replaced Commissioner and Department of Economic Development with Commissioner and Department of Economic and Community Development.

      Sec. 32-5b. Deadlines for approval or disapproval of applications for financial assistance. Not later than July 1, 1996, the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development shall adopt regulations in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, establishing deadlines for the approval or disapproval of applications for financial assistance by the Department of Economic and Community Development.

      (P.A. 95-249, S. 1, 4; 95-250, S. 1; P.A. 96-211, S. 1, 5, 6.)

      History: P.A. 95-249 effective July 1, 1995; P.A. 95-250 and P.A. 96-211 replaced Commissioner and Department of Economic Development with Commissioner and Department of Economic and Community Development.

      Sec. 32-6. Connecticut building at Eastern States Exposition. (a) The management and control of the operation and affairs of the Connecticut building at the Eastern States Exposition at West Springfield shall be in the charge of the Department of Economic and Community Development. Maintenance of the land and building shall be the responsibility of the Department of Public Works. Coverage by fire and casualty insurance shall be the responsibility of the Comptroller. The building and land shall be used by the Department of Economic and Community Development, in cooperation with public and private agencies, to conduct an educational exhibit which will promote the agricultural, industrial, recreational and other physical and natural resources of this state.

      (b) (1) There is established an account to be known as the Connecticut Eastern States Exposition account. The account shall contain any moneys required by law to be deposited in the account and shall be a separate, nonlapsing account of the General Fund. Investment earnings credited to the account shall become part of the assets of the account. Any balance remaining in said account at the end of any fiscal year shall be carried forward in the account for the next fiscal year.

      (2) There shall be deposited in the Connecticut Eastern States Exposition account any proceeds realized by the state from activities pursuant to this section.

      (3) Amounts in the Connecticut Eastern States Exposition account shall be available to fund the cost of any activities of the Department of Economic and Community Development pursuant to this section, including administrative costs related to such activities.

      (1949 Rev., S. 3541; 1949, 1953, S. 1894d; P.A. 73-599, S. 21; P.A. 77-614, S. 284, 610; P.A. 95-250, S. 1; P.A. 96-211, S. 1, 5, 6; June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-11, S. 32, 65.)

      History: P.A. 73-599 replaced Connecticut development commission with department of commerce; P.A. 77-614 replaced department of commerce with department of economic development, effective January 1, 1979; P.A. 95-250 and P.A. 96-211 replaced Commissioner and Department of Economic Development with Commissioner and Department of Economic and Community Development; June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-11 designated existing provisions as Subsec. (a), amended Subsec. (a) by making Public Works Department responsible for maintenance of the Connecticut building and land and by making technical changes, and added new Subsec. (b) establishing the Connecticut Eastern States Exposition account, effective July 1, 1997.

      Sec. 32-6a. Committee for the Restoration of Historic Assets in Connecticut. Grants. Eligibility of greenways projects. Regulations. "Historical asset" defined. (a) For the purposes of encouraging quality tourism and contributing to an overall historic preservation program there is established a Committee for the Restoration of Historic Assets in Connecticut which shall consist of the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development, the chairman of the Governor's Vacation Council, the chairman of the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism and two public members appointed by the Governor on or before December 1, 1977, for a term to expire on February 1, 1979. Thereafter terms of members appointed to succeed those whose terms expire shall be for two years and until successors are appointed. The Commissioner of Economic and Community Development may provide grants or loans as approved by the committee for projects of historic preservation and restoration from the Restoration of Historic Assets in Connecticut Fund established with the proceeds of the bonds issued pursuant to subdivision (2) of subsection (g) of section 2 of special act 77-47. For the purposes of this section, "historical asset" means any building, structure, object or site that is significant in American history, architecture, archaeology or culture or property used in connection therewith. Such grants and loans may be used, in part, for the installation or restoration of supportive improvements. Supportive improvements may include, but shall not be limited to, parking lots, office space, sanitary facilities, utilities necessary to make a building functional, information booths, provisions for the handicapped, improvements necessary to bring such asset into conformance with local ordinances, or any other improvements necessary to return the property to a state of utility provided that any such supportive improvement shall not alter, destroy or detract from the distinctive historical, aesthetic, archaeological, architectural, cultural or stylistic qualities or characteristics of the historic asset or its environment. The Commissioner of Economic and Community Development with the advice and consent of the committee shall promulgate such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.

      (b) The Commissioner of Economic and Community Development may provide grants to develop greenways from the Restoration of Historic Assets in Connecticut Fund established with the proceeds of the bonds issued pursuant to subdivision (2) of subsection (g) of section 2 of special act 77-47. Grants may be made to municipalities and other organizations to develop greenways, including, but not limited to, transportation-related greenways supported by the federal Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, as amended from time to time. The amount of any grant shall be as follows: (1) For transportation greenways projects that are part of interstate greenways, not more than twenty per cent of the project cost; (2) for transportation greenways projects that are local spurs from interstate greenways or that are intertown greenways projects, not more than ten per cent of the project cost; and (3) for greenways that are not transportation greenways, not more than half of the capital costs of the project.

      (S.A. 77-47, S. 8, 65; P.A. 77-614, S. 284, 587, 610; P.A. 78-303, S. 85, 136; P.A. 79-338, S. 1, 2; P.A. 95-250, S. 1; 95-335, S. 4, 26; P.A. 96-211, S. 1, 5, 6; P.A. 00-148, S. 16; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 210(e); P.A. 04-20, S. 3; 04-205, S. 5; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 04-2, S. 30.)

      History: P.A. 77-614 and P.A. 78-303 replaced commissioner of commerce with commissioner of economic development, effective January 1, 1979; P.A. 79-338 defined "historical asset"; P.A. 95-250 and P.A. 96-211 replaced Commissioner and Department of Economic Development with Commissioner and Department of Economic and Community Development; P.A. 95-335 added Subsec. (b) making greenways projects eligible for grants and designated existing provisions as Subsec. (a), effective July 1, 1995; P.A. 00-148 amended Subsec. (b) by changing "Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991" to "Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century"; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 and P.A. 04-20 replaced the Historical Commission with the Connecticut Commission on Arts, Tourism, Culture, History and Film, effective August 20, 2003; P.A. 04-205, effective June 3, 2004, and May Sp. Sess. P.A. 04-2, effective May 12, 2004, both replaced Connecticut Commission on Arts, Tourism, Culture, History and Film with Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism.

      See Sec. 4-9a for definition of "public member".

      See Sec. 23-100 re definition of "greenways".

      Secs. 32-6b to 32-6g. Reserved for future use.

      Sec. 32-6h. One-stop business licensing center. Section 32-6h is repealed, effective July 1, 1995.

      (P.A. 86-329, S. 1, 3; P.A. 93-382, S. 68, 69.)

      Sec. 32-6i. Connecticut Economic Information System Steering Committee. (a) There is established the Connecticut Economic Information System Steering Committee. The committee shall consist of the following members: (1) The Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, the Secretary of the State, the executive director of the office of the Joint Committee on Legislative Management, the State Librarian, the Labor Commissioner and the Commissioners of Economic and Community Development, Revenue Services, Higher Education, and Education, or their designees, and (2) six members appointed as follows: One by the president pro tempore of the Senate, who shall represent regional planning organizations; one by the majority leader of the Senate, who shall represent academic institutions; one by the minority leader of the Senate, who shall represent private businesses; one by the speaker of the House of Representatives, who shall represent public libraries; one by the majority leader of the House of Representatives, who shall represent the staff of the State Occupational Information Coordinating Committee; and one by the minority leader of the House of Representatives, who shall represent municipalities. The cochairpersons of the committee shall be the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management and the Labor Commissioner until October 1, 1994. Thereafter, the cochairpersons shall be elected by the membership for terms of two years.

      (b) The committee shall establish policy and guidelines for the development and operation of an economic information system. Such policy and guidelines shall include provisions for the following: (1) Coordination with existing state databases and information systems; (2) improvement of access to and dissemination of economic data and information; (3) review of data sources for determination of inclusion in the system; (4) expansion of the scope of state data and research concerning the state economy; (5) establishment of linkages with other public and private information sources to improve the capacity of the Connecticut economic information system; (6) user surveys to determine levels of satisfaction with and use of the system, including, but not limited to, surveys of system content, support and training; (7) workshops for training on system use and forums for discussions on innovative research projects based on the system; (8) exploration and evaluation, in conjunction with the Department of Information Technology, of technical advances to improve the operation and usage of the system and (9) procedures to maintain the confidentiality of data pursuant to state law.

      (c) The members of the committee designated under subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of this section shall administer the committee pursuant to the provisions of an interagency agreement entered into by such members.

      (May Sp. Sess. P.A. 92-4, S. 2, 5; P.A. 95-250, S. 1; P.A. 96-211, S. 1, 5, 6; June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-9, S. 28, 50.)

      History: P.A. 95-250 and P.A. 96-211 replaced Commissioner and Department of Economic Development with Commissioner and Department of Economic and Community Development (Revisor's note: References to "Commissioner of Labor" were changed editorially by the Revisors to "Labor Commissioner" for consistency with customary statutory usage); June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-9 amended Subsec. (b) by substituting "Department of Information Technology" for "Office of Information and Technology", effective July 1, 1997.

      Sec. 32-6j. Assistance of Labor Commissioner in job-training activities. In the assessment and provision of job training for employers, the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development and the executive director of the Connecticut Development Authority shall request the assistance of the Labor Commissioner. Upon receipt of a request for job training pursuant to this section, the Labor Commissioner shall notify the chancellor of the regional community-technical colleges, or his designee, of such request. The chancellor, or his designee, shall determine if a training program exists or can be designed at a regional community-technical college to meet such training need and shall notify the Labor Commissioner of such determination. The Labor Commissioner shall to the extent possible make arrangements for the participation of the regional community-technical colleges, the Connecticut State University system, other institutions of higher education, other postsecondary institutions, adult education programs and state regional vocational-technical schools in implementing the program. Nothing in this section shall preclude the Labor Commissioner from considering or choosing other providers to meet such training need.

      (P.A. 96-190, S. 3, 8.)

      History: P.A. 96-190 effective July 1, 1996.

      Sec. 32-6k. Impact statements submitted to the Connecticut Transportation Strategy Board. (a) Prior to entering into a grant, loan or assistance agreement for any project which is a major traffic generator within the meaning of section 14-311, the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development and the executive directors of the Connecticut Development Authority and Connecticut Innovations, Incorporated, as the case may be, shall submit an impact statement for each such project to the Connecticut Transportation Strategy Board, established pursuant to section 13b-57e. Each impact statement shall (1) describe the project and its expected impact on the transportation system, (2) summarize whether or not such project conforms to the strategy adopted in accordance with section 13b-57g, and (3) include any other information the board may require to discharge its responsibilities under this subsection including, but not limited to, (A) the size of any facility proposed in connection with the project, (B) the hours of operation of such facility, (C) a projection of whether or not an increase in daily vehicle trips including truck traffic is likely to occur as a result of such project, and (D) the availability of public transportation to and from such facility. The board shall evaluate each such impact statement to determine whether such project conforms to such strategy and shall submit to said commissioner and executive directors any findings and recommendations with respect to such project. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as requiring any delay in the implementation of any such project.

      (b) The board shall, subject to the requirements of chapter 14, protect confidential information and trade secrets provided in connection with the review of any project pursuant to subsection (a) of this section.

      (June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-5, S. 6, 18; P.A. 02-78, S. 1; P.A. 06-136, S. 26.)

      History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-5 effective July 2, 2001; P.A. 02-78 amended Subsec. (a) to require submission of impact statement on or after January 15, 2003, prior to approval of funding from the Department of Economic and Community Development, the Connecticut Development Authority or Connecticut Innovations, Inc. for any project which is a major traffic generator within the meaning of Sec. 14-311, to delete reference to project new to the state or new construction, to specify requirements with respect to each impact statement, to require board to evaluate impact statement and to make technical changes, added new Subsec. (b) requiring board to protect confidential information and trade secrets provided in connection with project review and redesignated existing Subsec. (b) as Subsec. (c); P.A. 06-136 amended Subsec. (a) by deleting provision re on or after January 15, 2003, requiring impact statement prior to entering into a grant, loan or assistance agreement, rather than prior to approval of funding, replacing former provisions of Subdiv. (1) with requirement re description of project and its expected impact on transportation system, and rewording Subdiv. (2) to take into account the strategy adopted in accordance with Sec. 13b-57g, and deleted former Subsec. (c) re quarterly updates, effective July 1, 2006.

      Sec. 32-6l. Promotion of market areas surrounding rail and bus terminals, airports and ports around the state. The Commissioner of Economic and Community Development, in consultation with the Commissioner of Transportation, shall collaborate with the towns and cities in the state to promote and market areas of retail sales and services surrounding rail, bus terminals, airports and ports around the state. The Commissioner of Economic and Community Development may use the services of the Connecticut Economic Resource Center and any other entity it deems necessary.

      (June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-5, S. 7, 18.)

      History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-5 effective July 2, 2001.

      Sec. 32-7. Financial and technical assistance to municipal and regional economic development agencies. Applications. (a) The department is authorized to (1) promote and assist the formation of municipal or regional economic development commissions under sections 7-136 and 7-137, or any other provision of the general statutes or any special act; and (2) make available technical and financial assistance to any municipal or regional economic development commission, regional economic development corporation, regional planning agency organized under the provisions of chapter 127, regional council of governments organized under sections 4-124i to 4-124p, inclusive, or any regional council of elected officials organized under the provisions of chapter 50 for planning and implementation of regional economic development. Such financial assistance may be provided to expand or establish the capacity for planning and implementation of regional economic development, including, but not limited to, business retention and recruitment, infrastructure enhancement, labor force development and financial credit availability. Financial assistance may be used for strategic economic development plans, establishment of regional economic databases, regional marketing for business retention and recruitment, coordination of economic development efforts with regional, local, state and federal agencies, surveys, land use studies, site development plans and for any other functions of economic development commissions as set forth in said sections 7-136 and 7-137 or any other provision of the general statutes or any special act.

      (b) Such financial assistance, if any, shall be rendered upon such contractual arrangements as may be agreed upon by the department and the eligible applicant in accordance with their respective needs.

      (c) Applications for financial assistance shall be submitted to the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development at such times and on such forms as the commissioner may prescribe. Each such application shall include, but not be limited to, the following: (1) Documentation that the applicant has staff with expertise in regional economic development to prepare an effective plan to market its services through such entities as chambers of commerce, industry trade associations, banks, local development corporations, community-based organizations and industrial development agencies; (2) a description of the applicant including its organization, membership, staff and sources of other funds, if any; (3) identification of the geographic region to be served; and (4) a description of the means for coordinating financial assistance available under this section with financial assistance available from other public and private funding sources within the region.

      (d) The commissioner shall approve financial assistance on the basis of: (1) The ability of the applicant to administer the financial assistance authorized under this section; (2) the extent of coordination with other publicly and privately supported financial assistance programs available within the region represented by the applicant; and (3) the degree of public and private support within the region for the applicant.

      (November, 1955, S. N178; 1959, P.A. 448; 1961, P.A. 27; February, 1965, P.A. 492, S. 3; 1967, P.A. 522, S. 33; 1969, P.A. 628, S. 17; 1971, P.A. 67, S. 1; P.A. 73-599, S. 22; 73-616, S. 32; P.A. 92-150; P.A. 95-250, S. 1; P.A. 96-211, S. 1, 5, 6.)

      History: 1959 act added "or redefine" to Subdiv. (a) and changed planning "authorities" to planning "agencies" in Subdiv. (b); 1961 act added capital improvement programming, renewal and development to purposes, changed "local" to "municipal" and added development and industrial or redevelopment agencies to Subdivs. (b) and (c); 1965 act specified commission's power to receive and accept funds from any source; 1967 act deleted authority to insure proper utilization of zoning police powers and renewal of substandard, obsolescent or blighted areas, to promote and assist formation of municipal planning, zoning or redevelopment agencies or commissions and other duties and powers re such agencies, substituting for these general reference to "sound state or interregional" planning, deleted references to chapters 124, 126 and 130 and deleted commission's power to adopt regulations re qualifications of community planners; 1969 act deleted commission's duty "to insure the economic and orderly development of the state" through specified means, deleted authority to define or redefine "logical economic and planning regions of the state", to provide assistance to regional agencies for regional plans of development and to prepare and recommend state-wide or interregional plans, deleted reference to chapter 127 and replaced references to regional planning or economic development agencies with references to municipal or regional economic development commissions; 1971 act included assistance to regional councils of elected officials in Subsec. (1)(b); P.A. 73-599 replaced Connecticut development commission with department of commerce, here referred to as "the department" (P.A. 77-614 replaced commerce department with department of economic development); P.A. 73-616 added reference to regional councils of elected officials in Subsec. (2) for consistency with change enacted in P.A. 73-599; P.A. 92-150 made technical changes replacing numeric Subsec. designations with alphabetical designations and amended Subsec. (a) by expanding agencies eligible for assistance, amended Subsec. (b) to make the commissioner solely responsible for determining contractual arrangements, and added Subsecs. (c) re applications and (d) establishing criteria for approval of financial assistance; P.A. 95-250 and P.A. 96-211 replaced Commissioner and Department of Economic Development with Commissioner and Department of Economic and Community Development.

      See Sec. 8-31a et seq. re regional planning agencies.

      See Sec. 8-154a et seq. re contracts for state financial assistance.

      See Sec. 8-161 re assistance toward preparation of capital improvements program.

      Cited. 150 C. 342.

      Secs. 32-7a to 32-7d. Transferred to Chapter 50, Secs. 4-124c to 4-124f, inclusive.

      Sec. 32-7e. Regional Economic Development Assistance Revolving Fund. (a) There is established a fund to be known as the "Regional Economic Development Assistance Revolving Fund". Repayment of principal and interest on loans made for regional economic development activities pursuant to chapters 130, 132, 588a and section 4-66c shall be credited to the fund and shall become part of the assets of the fund. The Regional Economic Development Assistance Revolving Fund may include other separate accounts. Any balance remaining in the fund at the end of any fiscal year shall be carried forward in the fund for the next fiscal year succeeding.

      (b) All moneys received in consideration of financial assistance for regional economic development activities, including payments of principal and interest on any loans, shall be credited to the fund. The Commissioner of Economic and Community Development, with the approval of the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, may deposit any federal, private or other moneys received by the state in connection with regional economic development activities into the fund. The Commissioner of Economic and Community Development may allow funds to be retained by regional entities and not repaid to the fund.

      (c) The commissioner may provide financial assistance from the assets of the fund to regional entities in the form of individual loans or grants. Regional entities may provide loans to nonprofit businesses or communities, not to exceed two hundred fifty thousand dollars per individual loan, from a regional fund established by the entity. Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes, payment of any administrative expenses or other costs incurred by the department in carrying out the purposes of chapters 130, 132, 588a and section 4-66c, with respect to regional economic development activities, may be paid from the fund established in this section.

      (P.A. 98-253, S. 11.)

      Sec. 32-8. Administration of federal funds. The department is authorized to accept any federal funds allotted to this state under any federal act for any projects which may be established by federal law for any of the purposes, or activities related thereto, of this chapter, and said department shall administer such funds in accordance with federal law. Said department may enter into contracts with the federal government concerning the use and repayment of such funds under such federal act and the prosecution of the work under any such contract.

      (1955, June, 1955, S. 1895d; November, 1955, S. N179; February, 1965, P.A. 232, S. 2; 492, S. 4; 1967, P.A. 522, S. 34; 1969, P.A. 628, S. 18; P.A. 73-599, S. 23.)

      History: 1965 acts deleted specific reference to funds allotted under Federal Housing Act of 1954, broadened reference to federal funds uses to include use for interregional and area planning, urban renewal or development, demonstration projects, etc. as well as for local and regional planning; 1967 act deleted reference to use of funds for local planning and for urban renewal or redevelopment and deleted reference to contracting power of municipal planning commissions, zoning commissions and planning and zoning commissions; 1969 act generalized use of funds for "any projects", replacing use for "state, regional, interregional or area planning, demonstration projects or any other projects", deleted provisions re separate account in which funds are to be deposited and re contracting powers of regional planning agencies; P.A. 73-599 replaced Connecticut development commission with department of commerce, here referred to as "the department" (P.A. 77-614 replaced commerce department with department of economic development).

      Sec. 32-8a. Registry of electronic commerce and information technology intensive companies. The Department of Economic and Community Development shall maintain a registry of qualifying electronic commerce or information technology intensive companies for the purposes of sections 10a-169a and 10a-169b. An updated registry shall be made available on the department's web page.

      (P.A. 00-187, S. 29, 75.)

      History: P.A. 00-187 effective July 1, 2000.

      See Secs. 10a-169a, 10a-169b re information technology scholarship and loan reimbursement pilot programs.

      Sec. 32-8b. Cooperative internship program. The Commissioner of Economic and Community Development shall assist in the development of a partnership between organizations, including, but not limited to, registered or otherwise qualified electronic commerce or information technology intensive companies, nonprofit organizations, business associations, state agencies or other nonprofit organizations, business associations, state agencies or other public or private entities as designated by the commissioner to develop a cooperative internship program for students attending institutions of higher education in this state or another state who are majoring in information-technology-related fields and promotion and recruitment activities that are designed to increase the number of information technology workers in the state.

      (P.A. 00-187, S. 32, 75.)

      History: P.A. 00-187 effective July 1, 2000.

      See Secs. 10a-169a, 10a-169b re information technology scholarship and loan reimbursement pilot programs.

      Sec. 32-9. Right of local redevelopment agencies to contract with federal government. Nothing in section 32-7 or 32-8 shall be construed to prevent any municipality which has organized a redevelopment agency under chapter 130 from entering directly into contracts with the federal government for any benefits available to such municipality under the Federal Housing Act of 1954, as amended, or under any other federal act for housing or planning.

      (November, 1955, S. N180.)

      See Sec. 8-206 re duties of Commissioner of Economic and Community Development.

      Sec. 32-9a. Transferred to Chapter 583, Sec. 32-56.

      Sec. 32-9b. Powers and duties re certain municipal development projects transferred from Community Affairs Commissioner. In accordance with the provisions of section 4-38d, all powers and duties of the Commissioner of Community Affairs under the provisions of sections 7-137b, 8-155 to 8-159, inclusive, and 8-170 to 8-185, inclusive, shall be transferred to the Connecticut Development Commission, and where the words "Commissioner of Community Affairs" are used in said sections, the words "Connecticut Development Commission" shall be substituted in lieu thereof.

      (1971, P.A. 505, S. 1.)

      See Sec. 32-9c(b) re transfer of powers and duties of Connecticut Development Commission to Department of Economic Development.

      Sec. 32-9c. Transfer of powers and duties of the Connecticut Development Commission. (a) In accordance with the provisions of section 4-38d, all powers and duties of the Connecticut Development Commission under the provisions of chapter 579, shall be transferred to the Connecticut Development Authority and all the powers and duties of said commission under the provisions of this chapter shall be transferred to the Department of Economic and Community Development.

      (b) In accordance with the provisions of section 4-38d, all powers and duties of the Connecticut Development Commission under the provisions of sections 7-137b, 8-155 to 8-159, inclusive, and 8-170 to 8-185, inclusive, shall be transferred to the Department of Economic and Community Development and the words "Connecticut Development Commission" or "commissioner" used in said sections, shall mean "Department of Economic and Community Development".

      (c) In accordance with the provisions of section 4-38d, all powers and duties of the Connecticut Development Commission under the provisions of sections 8-163 to 8-167, inclusive, shall be transferred to the Department of Economic and Community Development and the words "Connecticut Development Commission" and "Development Commission" when used in said sections shall mean "Department of Economic and Community Development".

      (P.A. 73-599, S. 18, 25, 36; P.A. 77-614, S. 284, 610; P.A. 88-265, S. 32, 36; P.A. 95-250, S. 1; P.A. 96-211, S. 1, 5, 6.)

      History: P.A. 77-614 replaced department of commerce (successor to Connecticut development commission) with department of economic development, effective January 1, 1979; P.A. 88-265 deleted provisions re Connecticut development authority approval of loans and made technical changes; P.A. 95-250 and P.A. 96-211 replaced Commissioner and Department of Economic Development with Commissioner and Department of Economic and Community Development; (Revisor's note: In 2003 a reference in Subsec. (a) to "chapter 578" was changed editorially by the Revisors to "this chapter").

      Sec. 32-9d. Transfer of personnel and properties. All classified personnel of the commission shall be transferred to the absorbing agency wherever feasible and all properties belonging to the commission shall be transferred to the department.

      (P.A. 73-599, S. 6.)

      Secs. 32-9e to 32-9h. Transferred to Chapter 58, Secs. 4a-60g to 4a-60j, inclusive.

      Sec. 32-9i. Job incentive grant program for businesses in areas of high unemployment. (a) A job incentive account is hereby created within the General Fund. There shall be deposited in said account all moneys received by or appropriated to the Department of Economic and Community Development from time to time therefor. In order to stimulate and encourage the creation and growth of jobs in areas of high unemployment, the state, acting by the Department of Economic and Community Development, may provide job incentive grants to eligible businesses, whose new or expanded facilities are located in an eligible municipality having high unemployment and which facility results in the creation of not less than five full-time jobs, as provided in sections 32-9i to 32-9l, inclusive.

      (b) Amounts in the job incentive account shall be used for the purpose of making such grants to businesses which are eligible for such assistance, and which make application for and receive approval for such assistance from the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development.

      (P.A. 77-560, S. 1, 7; 77-614, S. 284, 587, 610; P.A. 78-303, S. 85, 136; P.A. 86-107, S. 5, 19; P.A. 93-382, S. 19, 69; P.A. 94-95, S. 11; P.A. 95-250, S. 1; P.A. 96-211, S. 1, 5, 6.)

      History: P.A. 77-614 and P.A. 78-303 replaced commissioner and department of commerce with commissioner and department of economic development, effective January 1, 1979; P.A. 86-107 removed reference to the state treasurer as trustee of the fund; P.A. 93-382 changed reference in Subsec. (a) from Sec. 32-9m to Sec. 32-9l, effective July 1, 1993; P.A. 94-95 changed name of fund from "Job Incentive Fund" to "job incentive account"; P.A. 95-250 and P.A. 96-211 replaced Commissioner and Department of Economic Development with Commissioner and Department of Economic and Community Development.

      Sec. 32-9j. Definitions. For the purposes of sections 32-9i to 32-9l, inclusive, the following terms shall have the following meanings unless the context indicates another meaning and intent:

      (a) "Eligible municipality" means any municipality in the state which is a distressed municipality as defined in subsection (b) of section 32-9p, and any other municipality in the state which has a population of not less than ten thousand and which has a rate of unemployment which exceeds one hundred ten per cent of the state's average rate of unemployment, as determined by the Labor Department, for the calendar year preceding the determination of eligibility, provided no such other municipality with an unemployment rate of less than six per cent shall be eligible. Eligible municipalities shall be designated by the Department of Economic and Community Development.

      (b) "Eligible business facility" means (1) a business facility located in an eligible municipality and for which a certificate of eligibility or commitment letter has been issued by the department prior to March 1, 1991; or (2) a business facility for which a certificate of eligibility has been issued by the department and which is located in an enterprise zone designated pursuant to section 32-70. A business facility for which such a certificate is issued shall be deemed an eligible business facility only during the twenty-four-month period following the day on which the certificate of eligibility is issued. A business facility may not become an eligible business facility for the purposes of sections 32-9i to 32-9l, inclusive, unless it meets each of the following requirements: (A) It is a facility which does not primarily serve said eligible municipality in which it is located. A facility shall be deemed to meet this requirement if it is used primarily for the manufacturing, processing or assembling of raw materials or manufactured products, or for research or industrial warehousing, or any combination thereof or, if located in an enterprise zone designated pursuant to section 32-70, it is to be used by an establishment, an auxiliary or an operating unit of an establishment, as such terms are defined in the Standard Industrial Classification Manual, in the categories of depository institutions, nondepository credit institutions, insurance carriers, holding or other investment offices, business services, health services, fishing, hunting and trapping, motor freight transportation and warehousing, water transportation, transportation by air, transportation services, security and commodity brokers, dealers, exchanges and services or engineering, accounting, research, management and related services from the Standard Industrial Classification Manual, which establishment, auxiliary or operating unit shows a strong performance in exporting goods and services, as defined by the commissioner through regulations adopted in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54. A facility shall not be deemed to meet this requirement if (i) it is used primarily in making retail sales of goods or services to customers who personally visit such facility to obtain such goods or services, or (ii) it is used primarily as a hotel, apartment house or other place of business which furnishes dwelling space or accommodations to either residents or transients; (B) it is a facility which is newly constructed or has undergone major expansion or renovation as determined by the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development, and (C) it is a facility which will create in the eligible municipality in which it is located, as a direct result of such construction, expansion or renovation, not less than five new employment positions, or in the case of a facility located in an enterprise zone designated pursuant to section 32-70, not less than three new employment positions in the enterprise zone.

      (c) "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development.

      (d) "Department" means the Department of Economic and Community Development.

      (e) "Eligibility period" means the twenty-four-month period following the day on which the certificate of eligibility is issued.

      (f) "Full-time employee" means an employee who works a minimum of thirty-five hours per week.

      (P.A. 77-560, S. 2, 7; 77-614, S. 284, 587, 610; P.A. 78-303, S. 85, 136; P.A. 79-508, S. 1, 5; P.A. 84-339, S. 1, 3; P.A. 86-258, S. 4, 8; P.A. 89-235, S. 2, 5; P.A. 90-270, S. 16, 38; P.A. 93-382, S. 20, 69; P.A. 95-250, S. 1; P.A. 96-211, S. 1, 5, 6.)

      History: P.A. 77-614 and P.A. 78-303 replaced commissioner and department of commerce with commissioner and department of economic development, effective January 1, 1979; P.A. 79-508 redefined "eligible municipality" to specifically include distressed municipalities and redefined "eligible business facility" to specify exclusion of "newly constructed" facilities and to clarify exclusion of facilities which create new jobs; P.A. 84-339 amended Subdiv. (a) to include only municipalities with a population of not less than ten thousand and amended Subdivs. (b) and (e) to provide for a twenty-four-month noncalendar year eligibility period; P.A. 86-258 added to definition of "eligible business facility" in Subsec. (b) certain service facilities located in an enterprise zone; P.A. 89-235 amended the definition of "eligible business facility" in Subsec. (b) to make technical changes to the categories of eligible facilities located in an enterprise zone which are defined in the Standard Industrial Classification Manual, and to require the creation of three new employment positions for all facilities located in an enterprise zone; P.A. 90-270 amended Subsec. (b) to redefine "eligible business facility" to include facilities located in enterprise zones and further expanded the categories of business such facilities can engage in to include health services, fishing, hunting and trapping, motor freight transportation and warehousing, water transportation, transportation by air, transportation services, security and commodity brokers, dealers, exchanges and services, and made technical changes; P.A. 93-382 changed references to Sec. 32-9m to Sec. 32-9l, effective July 1, 1993; P.A. 95-250 and P.A. 96-211 replaced Commissioner and Department of Economic Development with Commissioner and Department of Economic and Community Development.

      Subdiv. (f):

      Cited. 28 CA 1.

      Sec. 32-9k. Business facilities qualified for job incentive grants. (a) The commissioner shall initiate and conduct the implementation of a program designed to carry out the purposes of sections 32-9i to 32-9l, inclusive. Any business facility which qualifies under the definition contained in subsection (b) of section 32-9j may file with the commissioner an application for a certificate that such facility is an eligible business facility. Such application shall be in such form and shall contain such information, exhibits and supporting data as the commissioner may prescribe.

      (b) If the commissioner finds that a business facility described in an application for a certificate of eligibility meets the requirements in subsection (b) of section 32-9j, the commissioner is authorized to issue such certificate. Such certificate shall specify the time period to which it relates and in which such business facility is an eligible business facility for the purposes of sections 32-9i to 32-9l, inclusive. A certificate of eligibility shall specify and identify the location of the eligible business facility to which it relates and, by appropriate designation, the jobs created by the business facility described in such certificate, during the time period to which such certificate relates. Any certificate of eligibility issued prior to July 1, 1984, shall remain in effect for the period for which it was initially issued and may be extended or renewed by the commissioner for a period not to exceed two calendar years from the original expiration date.

      (c) A certificate of eligibility may be revoked by the commissioner, after a hearing, if the commissioner finds that the facility therein described fails in any respect to meet the eligibility requirements in sections 32-9i to 32-9l, inclusive, or may be modified if the commissioner finds that statements therein with reference to eligibility under sections 32-9i to 32-9l, inclusive, are not in accordance with facts determined by the commissioner. Such revocation or modification may be ordered if the application for the certificate and other information supplied by the applicant failed to fully and fairly disclose the facts relevant with reference to the requirements of sections 32-9i to 32-9l, inclusive, or if there has been a material change in such facts since the date when the certificate of eligibility was issued. In revoking any certificate of eligibility the commissioner shall determine whether the facility was an eligible business facility for any period of time, and if so, shall specify such period of time in a determination, or the commissioner may determine that such facility was not an eligible business facility at any time.

      (P.A. 77-560, S. 3, 7; P.A. 84-339, S. 2, 3; P.A. 93-382, S. 21, 69.)

      History: P.A. 84-339 provided for certificates issued after July 1, 1984, to be issued on a noncalendar year basis; P.A. 93-382 changed references to Sec. 32-9m to Sec. 32-9l, effective July 1, 1993.

      Sec. 32-9l. Determination of grant amounts. Regulations. (a) An eligible business facility shall be granted an amount determined by multiplying seven hundred fifty dollars or, in the case of any facility used primarily for the manufacturing, processing or assembling of raw materials or manufactured products, or for research or industrial warehousing, or any combination thereof, and located in an enterprise zone designated pursuant to section 32-70, for which not less than one hundred fifty full-time employees or fifty per cent of the full-time employment positions created by the facility are held by (1) residents of such zone, or (2) residents of such municipality who, at the time of employment, were eligible for training under the federal Comprehensive Employment Training Act or any other training program that replaces the Comprehensive Employment Training Act, two thousand two hundred fifty dollars, by the increase in the number of full-time employment positions, the costs of which are paid by the eligible business, directly resulting from the construction, renovation or expansion of the business facility, as determined by the department taking into account the employment requirements of business expansion, historical levels of employment and employment positions prior to the expansion, and such other factors as the department may deem appropriate. In the case of an eligible business facility located in an industrial district designated as part of an enterprise corridor zone under section 32-80, the term "such municipality", as used in this subsection, shall mean either the municipality in which the facility is located or any other municipality having an industrial district which is designated as part of the same enterprise corridor zone.

      (b) Each business expansion of an applicant shall be treated separately by the department, and the department may establish a maximum number of employment positions for which benefits will be awarded under this section and sections 32-9j and 32-9p in order to make most effective use of the resources available for the job incentive grant program. The commissioner shall adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, for the job incentive grant program and for grant eligibility thereunder.

      (P.A. 77-560, S. 4, 7; P.A. 79-508, S. 2, 5; P.A. 81-445, S. 6, 11; P.A. 82-435, S. 4, 8; P.A. 83-381, S. 3; P.A. 86-258, S. 5, 8; P.A. 90-270, S. 22, 38; P.A. 93-382, S. 22, 69; P.A. 96-239, S. 5, 6, 17.)

      History: P.A. 79-508 essentially replaced previous provisions, establishing new method for calculation of grant amount and substituting new provisions in Subsec. (b) for provision which had limited total number of jobs "for which all grants may be made under this section in any calendar year" to one thousand; P.A. 81-445 added double grant amount for facilities in enterprise zones in Subsec. (a), effective July 1, 1982; P.A. 82-435 inserted a thirty per cent resident employee or municipal CETA eligible employee requirement for businesses in enterprise zones to be eligible for the increased grant; P.A. 83-381 amended Subsec. (a) concerning determination of eligibility for grant for facilities in enterprise zones; P.A. 86-258 amended Subsec. (a) to increase grant for certain manufacturing, research and warehousing facilities located in enterprise zones, from one thousand dollars to one thousand five hundred dollars; P.A. 90-270 amended Subsec. (a) by making businesses employing more than one hundred fifty full-time employees eligible for grants; P.A. 93-382 deleted reference to Sec. 32-9m in Subsec. (b), effective July 1, 1993; P.A. 96-239 amended Subsec. (a) by substituting "seven hundred fifty dollars" for "five hundred dollars", "fifty per cent" for "thirty per cent", and "two thousand two hundred fifty dollars" for "one thousand five hundred dollars" in formula for determining grant amount, and defining "such municipality" relative to enterprise corridor zone eligible business facilities, effective July 1, 1996.

      See chapter 585 (Sec. 32-70 et seq.) re enterprise zones.

      Sec. 32-9m. Report. Section 32-9m is repealed, effective July 1, 1993.

      (P.A. 77-560, S. 5, 7; P.A. 79-508, S. 3, 5; P.A. 81-106, S. 1, 2; P.A. 93-382, S. 67, 69.)

      Sec. 32-9n. Office of Small Business Affairs. (a) There is established within the Department of Economic and Community Development an Office of Small Business Affairs. Such office shall aid and encourage small business enterprises, particularly those owned and operated by minorities and other socially or economically disadvantaged individuals in Connecticut. As used in this section, minority means: (1) Black Americans, including all persons having origins in any of the Black African racial groups not of Hispanic origin; (2) Hispanic Americans, including all persons of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central or South American, or other Spanish culture or origin, regardless of race; (3) all persons having origins in the Iberian Peninsula, including Portugal, regardless of race; (4) women; (5) Asian Pacific Americans and Pacific islanders; or (6) American Indians and persons having origins in any of the original peoples of North America and maintaining identifiable tribal affiliations through membership and participation or community identification.

      (b) Said Office of Small Business Affairs shall: (1) Administer the small business development center program run by the Department of Economic and Community Development; (2) coordinate the flow of information within the technical and management assistance program run by the Department of Economic and Community Development; (3) encourage the Connecticut Development Authority to grant loans to small businesses, particularly those owned and operated by minorities and other socially or economically disadvantaged individuals; (4) coordinate and serve as a liaison between all federal, state, regional and municipal agencies and programs affecting small business affairs; and (5) administer any business management training program established under section 32-352 or section 32-355 as the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development may determine.

      (P.A. 77-508, S. 1, 2; 77-614, S. 284, 587, 610; P.A. 78-303, S. 85, 136; P.A. 82-358, S. 4, 10; P.A. 87-577, S. 2; P.A. 94-152, S. 2, 3; P.A. 95-250, S. 1; P.A. 96-211, S. 1, 5, 6; P.A. 99-208, S. 7; 99-233, S. 3, 7.)

      History: P.A. 77-614 and P.A. 78-303 replaced department of commerce with department of economic development, effective January 1, 1979; P.A. 82-358 defined minority in Subsec. (a) and added reference to specific inclusion of minority business enterprises in set-aside program in Subsec. (b); P.A. 87-577 amended Subsec. (a) by adding all persons having origins in the Iberian Peninsula, including Portugal, to Subdiv. (2); P.A. 94-152 transferred "all persons having origins in the Iberian Peninsula, including Portugal" from Subdiv. (2) to new Subdiv. (3) and renumbered former Subdivs. (3), (4) and (5) accordingly, effective July 1, 1994; P.A. 95-250 and P.A. 96-211 replaced Commissioner and Department of Economic Development with Commissioner and Department of Economic and Community Development; P.A. 99-208 amended Subsec. (b) by adding Subdiv. (6) re business management training programs; P.A. 99-233 amended Subsec. (b) by deleting Subdiv. (1) re authority to administer the set-aside program and renumbering the remaining Subdivs. accordingly, effective June 29, 1999.

      Sec. 32-9o. Industrial growth in areas of high unemployment. Legislative determination. It is hereby found and declared as a matter of legislative determination that: (a) There is a serious need for the investment of private capital in business enterprises located in municipalities experiencing conditions of high unemployment, poverty, aging housing stock and low or declining rates of growth in job creation, population and per capita income; (b) high property tax rates and the unavailability or high cost of credit to business organizations have discouraged industrial activity in such municipalities and perpetuated prevailing patterns of economic and social stress; (c) private capital investment in the construction, renovation and expansion of manufacturing and other industrial facilities will best contribute to increasing employment and an expanding tax base in such municipalities and the development of a more productive and balanced economy in the state; and (d) the tax, grant and other financial incentives provided by subdivisions (59) and (60) of section 12-81 and sections 12-217e, 32-9p to 32-9s, inclusive, and 32-23p to encourage such private investment are important and necessary applications of the resources of the state in the exercise of its responsibility to preserve and foster the health, safety and general welfare of the state and its people. Accordingly the necessity, in the public interest and for the public benefit and good, of the provisions under said sections is hereby declared as a matter of legislative determination.

      (P.A. 78-357, S. 1, 16; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 98-1, S. 66, 121.)

      History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 98-1 made a technical change, effective June 24, 1998.

      Sec. 32-9p. Definitions. As used in subdivisions (59) and (60) of section 12-81 and sections 12-217e, 32-9p to 32-9s, inclusive, and 32-23p, the following words and terms have the following meanings:

      (a) "Area of high unemployment" means, as of the date of any final and official determination by the authority or the department to extend assistance under said sections, any municipality which is a distressed municipality as defined in subsection (b) of this section, and any other municipality in the state which in the calendar year preceding such determination had a rate of unemployment which exceeded one hundred ten per cent of the average rate of unemployment in the state for the same calendar year, as determined by the Labor Department, provided no such other municipality with an unemployment rate of less than six per cent shall be an area of high unemployment.

      (b) "Distressed municipality" means, as of the date of the issuance of an eligibility certificate, any municipality in the state which, according to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development meets the necessary number of quantitative physical and economic distress thresholds which are then applicable for eligibility for the urban development action grant program under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1977, as amended, or any town within which is located an unconsolidated city or borough which meets such distress thresholds. Any municipality which, at any time subsequent to July 1, 1978, has met such thresholds but which at any time thereafter fails to meet such thresholds, according to said department, shall be deemed to be a distressed municipality for a period of five years subsequent to the date of the determination that such municipality fails to meet such thresholds, unless such municipality elects to terminate its designation as a "distressed municipality", by vote of its legislative body, not later than September 1, 1985, or not later than three months after receiving notification from the commissioner that it no longer meets such thresholds, whichever is later. In the event a distressed municipality elects to terminate its designation, the municipality shall notify the commissioner and the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management in writing within thirty days. In the event that the commissioner determines that amendatory federal legislation or administrative regulation has materially changed the distress thresholds thereby established, "distressed municipality" shall mean any municipality in the state which meets comparable thresholds of distress which are then applicable in the areas of high unemployment and poverty, aging housing stock and low or declining rates of growth in job creation, population and per capita income as established by the commissioner, consistent with the purposes of subdivisions (59) and (60) of section 12-81 and sections 12-217e, 32-9p to 32-9s, inclusive, and 32-23p, in regulations adopted in accordance with chapter 54. For purposes of sections 32-9p to 32-9s, inclusive, "distressed municipality" shall also mean any municipality adversely impacted by a major plant closing, relocation or layoff, provided the eligibility of a municipality shall not exceed two years from the date of such closing, relocation or layoff. The Commissioner of Economic and Community Development shall adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, which define what constitutes a "major plant closing, relocation or layoff" for purposes of sections 32-9p to 32-9s, inclusive. "Distressed municipality" shall also mean the portion of any municipality which is eligible for designation as an enterprise zone pursuant to subdivision (2) of subsection (b) of section 32-70.

      (c) "Eligibility certificate" means a certificate issued by the department pursuant to section 32-9r evidencing its determination that a facility for which an application for assistance has been submitted qualifies as a manufacturing facility and is eligible for assistance under section 12-217e and subdivisions (59) and (60) of section 12-81.

      (d) "Manufacturing facility" means any plant, building, other real property improvement, or part thereof, (1) which (A) is constructed or substantially renovated or expanded on or after July 1, 1978, in a distressed municipality, a targeted investment community as defined in section 32-222, or an enterprise zone designated pursuant to section 32-70, or (B) is acquired on or after July 1, 1978, in a distressed municipality, a targeted investment community as defined in section 32-222, or an enterprise zone designated pursuant to said section 32-70, by a business organization which is unrelated to and unaffiliated with the seller, after having been idle for at least one year prior to its acquisition and regardless of its previous use; (2) which is to be used for the manufacturing, processing or assembling of raw materials, parts or manufactured products, for research and development facilities directly related to manufacturing, for the significant servicing, overhauling or rebuilding of machinery and equipment for industrial use, or, except as provided in this subsection, for warehousing and distribution or, (A) if located in an enterprise zone designated pursuant to said section 32-70, which is to be used by an establishment, an auxiliary or an operating unit of an establishment as such terms are defined in the Standard Industrial Classification Manual, in the categories of depository institutions, nondepository credit institutions, insurance carriers, holding or other investment offices, business services, health services, fishing, hunting and trapping, motor freight transportation and warehousing, water transportation, transportation by air, transportation services, security and commodity brokers, dealers, exchanges and services, telemarketing or engineering, accounting, research, management and related services including, but not limited to, management consulting services from the Standard Industrial Classification Manual or in Sector 48, 49, 52, 54, 55, or 62, Subsector 114 or 561, or industry group 5621 in the North American Industrial Classification System, United States Manual, United States Office of Management and Budget, 1997 edition, which establishment, auxiliary or operating unit shows a strong performance in exporting goods and services, and as further defined by the commissioner through regulations adopted under chapter 54, or (B) if located in an enterprise zone designated pursuant to said section 32-70, which is to be used by an establishment primarily engaged in supplying goods or services in the fields of computer hardware or software, computer networking, telecommunications or communications, or (C) if located in a municipality with an entertainment district designated under section 32-76 or established under section 2 of public act 93-311*, is to be used in the production of entertainment products, including multimedia products, or as part of the airing, display or provision of live entertainment for stage or broadcast, including support services such as set manufacturers, scenery makers, sound and video equipment providers and manufacturers, stage and screen writers, providers of capital for the entertainment industry and agents for talent, writers, producers and music properties and technological infrastructure support including, but not limited to, fiber optics, necessary to support multimedia and other entertainment formats, except entertainment provided by or shown at a gambling or gaming facility or a facility whose primary business is the sale or serving of alcoholic beverages; and (3) for which the department has issued an eligibility certificate in accordance with section 32-9r. In the case of facilities which are acquired, the department may waive the requirement of one year of idleness if it determines that, absent qualification as a manufacturing facility under subdivisions (59) and (60) of section 12-81, and sections 12-217e, 32-9p to 32-9s, inclusive, and 32-23p, there is a high likelihood that the facility will remain idle for one year. In the case of facilities located in an enterprise zone designated pursuant to said section 32-70, (A) the idleness requirement in subparagraph (B) of subdivision (1) of this subsection, for business organizations which over the six months preceding such acquisition have had an average total employment of between six and nineteen employees, inclusive, shall be reduced to a minimum of six months, and (B) the idleness requirement shall not apply to business organizations with an average total employment of five or fewer employees, provided no more than one eligibility certificate shall be issued under this subparagraph for the same facility within a three-year period. Of those facilities which are for warehousing and distribution, only those which are newly constructed or which represent an expansion of an existing facility qualify as manufacturing facilities. In the event that only a portion of a plant is acquired, constructed, renovated or expanded, only the portion acquired, constructed, renovated or expanded constitutes the manufacturing facility. A manufacturing facility which is leased may for the purposes of subdivisions (59) and (60) of section 12-81 and sections 12-217e, 32-9p to 32-9s, inclusive, and 32-23p, be treated in the same manner as a facility which is acquired if the provisions of the lease serve to further the purposes of subdivisions (59) and (60) of section 12-81, and sections 12-217e, 32-9p to 32-9s, inclusive, and 32-23p and demonstrate a substantial, long-term commitment by the occupant to use the manufacturing facility, including a contract for lease for an initial minimum term of five years with provisions for the extension of the lease at the request of the lessee for an aggregate term which shall not be less than ten years, or the right of the lessee to purchase the facility at any time after the initial five-year term, or both. For a facility located in an enterprise zone designated pursuant to said section 32-70, and occupied by a business organization with an average total employment of ten or fewer employees over the six-month period preceding acquisition, such contract for lease may be for an initial minimum term of three years with provisions for the extension of the lease at the request of the lessee for an aggregate term which shall not be less than six years, or the right of the lessee to purchase the facility at any time after the initial three-year term, or both, and may also include the right for the lessee to relocate to other space within the same enterprise zone, provided such space is under the same ownership or control as the originally leased space or if such space is not under such same ownership or control as the originally leased space, permission to relocate is granted by the lessor of such originally leased space, and such relocation shall not extend the duration of benefits granted under the original eligibility certificate. Except as provided in subparagraph (B) of subdivision (1) of this subsection, a manufacturing facility does not include any plant, building, other real property improvement or part thereof used or usable for such purposes which existed before July 1, 1978.

      (e) "Service facility" means a manufacturing facility described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of subdivision (2) of subsection (d) of this section, provided such facility is located outside of an enterprise zone in a targeted investment community.

      (f) "Authority", "capital reserve fund bond", "commissioner", "department", "industrial project" and "insurance fund" shall have the meaning such words and terms are given in section 32-23d.

      (g) "Municipality" means any town, city or borough in the state.

      (P.A. 78-357, S. 2, 16; P.A. 79-492, S. 1, 4; 79-508, S. 4, 5; P.A. 81-109, S. 1, 3; 81-333, S. 1, 3; P.A. 83-246; 83-451, S. 3, 4; P.A. 85-578, S. 1, 5; P.A. 86-153, S. 2, 5; 86-258, S. 2, 8; P.A. 89-235, S. 3, 5; P.A. 90-270, S. 17, 38; P.A. 93-311, S. 3, 8; P.A. 94-247, S. 2, 8; P.A. 95-250, S. 1; P.A. 96-211, S. 1, 5, 6; 96-222, S. 23; 96-239, S. 10, 17; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 98-1, S. 67, 121; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 99-1, S. 16, 51; P.A. 00-174, S. 48, 83; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-6, S. 62, 85.)

      *Note: Section 2 of public act 93-311 is special in nature and therefore has not been codified but remains in full force and effect according to its terms.

      History: P.A. 79-492 expanded definition of "manufacturing facility" to include warehouse facilities, to allow waiver of one year of idleness requirement and to clarify applicability to newly constructed or expanded facilities; P.A. 79-508 redefined "area of high unemployment" to specifically include distressed municipalities and to specifically exclude other municipalities with unemployment rate of less than six per cent; P.A. 81-109 deleted Subdiv. (g) which had defined "commissioner of commerce" to mean commissioner of economic development in certain sections; P.A. 81-333 amended Subsec. (b) to provide for five year extension of distressed municipality status for municipalities previously so designated but subsequently failing to meet federal thresholds; P.A. 83-246 included research and development facilities within the definition of "manufacturing facility" in Subsec. (d); P.A. 83-451 amended Subsec. (b) to include within "distressed municipality" any municipality adversely affected by a major plant closing, relocation or layoff, as defined in regulations to be adopted by the commissioner of economic development; P.A. 85-578 amended Subsec. (b) to authorize a municipality to elect to terminate its designation as a "distressed municipality"; P.A. 86-153 amended Subdiv. (b) to require notification to the commissioner and the secretary of the office of policy and management in the event a distressed municipality elects to terminate its designation, effective April 28, 1986, and applicable in any municipality for purposes of the assessment year commencing October 1, 1986, and each assessment year thereafter; P.A. 86-258 added to definition of "distressed municipality" the portion of a municipality eligible for enterprise zone designation pursuant to Subdiv. (2) of Subsec. (b) of Sec. 32-70, amended definition of "manufacturing facility" to include certain service facilities located in an enterprise zone, to modify the idleness requirement for facilities located in an enterprise zone and to modify lease requirements for facilities generally; P.A. 89-235 amended the definition of "manufacturing facility" in Subsec. (d) to make technical changes to the categories of eligible facilities located in an enterprise zone which are defined in the Standard Industrial Classification Manual, deleted the requirement for the creation of ten or more new employment positions for such facilities, made technical changes to manufacturing facility leasing requirements and deleted provisions disqualifying business facilities that transfer personnel or employment positions from within a distressed municipality and which does not represent a net expansion of business operations and employment in such municipality; P.A. 90-270 amended Subsec. (d) to redefine "manufacturing facility" to include a facility located in a targeted investment community or an enterprise zone and expanded the categories of activities to include health services, fishing, hunting and trapping, motor freight transportation and warehousing, water transportation, transportation by air, transportation services, security and commodity brokers, dealers, exchanges and services; P.A. 93-311 amended the definition of "manufacturing facility" to include facilities located in an entertainment district, effective July 1, 1993; P.A. 94-247 redefined "manufacturing facility" to include facilities used in the production of multimedia products and technological infrastructure support, effective June 9, 1994; P.A. 95-250 and P.A. 96-211 replaced Commissioner and Department of Economic Development with Commissioner and Department of Economic and Community Development; P.A. 96-222 amended Subsec. (d)(2) by deleting the phrase "in bulk of manufactured products on other than a retail basis" after the phrase "warehousing and distribution" and Subsec. (d)(3) by deleting the phrase "of manufactured products on other than a retail basis," after the phrase "warehousing and distribution"; P.A. 96-239 redefined "manufacturing facility" in Subsec. (d)(2)(i) by adding "telemarketing" to list of SIC categories, inserted a new Subsec. (e) defining "service facility" and relettered former Subsecs. (e) and (f) as Subsecs. (f) and (g), effective July 1, 1996; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 98-1 made technical corrections and included management consulting services within the scope of part of the definition of "manufacturing facility", effective June 24, 1998; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 99-1 amended Subdiv. (2) of Subsec. (d) by adding Subpara. (B) re establishments primarily engaged in supplying goods or services in the fields of computer hardware or software, computer networking, telecommunications or communications, amended Subsec. (e) to include facility described in Subpara. (B) of Subdiv. (2) of Subsec. (d) as a service facility, and made technical changes, effective July 1, 1999; P.A. 00-174 amended Subsec. (d)(2)(A) to include references to facilities within certain categories in the North American Industrial Classification System, effective May 26, 2000; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-6 amended Subsec. (d) to move provision re the North American Industrial Classification System and make technical changes, effective July 1, 2001.

      Subdiv. (b):

      Cited. 234 C. 624.

      Sec. 32-9q. Loans for business expansion in a distressed municipality. Loans to nonprofit state or local development corporations. Transfer of certain funds to the Connecticut Growth Fund. (a) An Employment Incentive Revolving Fund is hereby created. In order to encourage business expansion and location in distressed municipalities, the state, acting through the Department of Economic and Community Development may make working capital loans to any industrial business organization in a distressed municipality which has or is reasonably expected to create new employment in the municipality. The business organization will be considered to have created new employment in such municipality if the number of persons employed by such business organization as a result of such loan has increased or is expected to increase by more than five. Working capital loans under this section shall not exceed seventy-five thousand dollars in amount nor ten years in term for any single loan and shall not be made unless the borrower receives concurrently with such loan another working capital loan from a private financial institution or local development corporation, as defined in Sections 501, 502 and 503 of the Small Business Investment Act, Public Law 699, as amended, in an amount at least equal to the amount of the working capital loan made by the state. Such working capital loans made by the state or by a private financial institution may be either secured or unsecured. Any business organization receiving a working capital loan from the state under this section shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development that the availability of such loan was an important factor in the decision of such business organization to locate or expand in such distressed municipality.

      (b) The state, acting through the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development, may make loans under this section to any nonprofit state or local development corporation. The purposes of such loans shall include, but not be limited to, working capital, start-ups and fixed assets. Such loans shall not exceed in the aggregate five hundred thousand dollars.

      (c) The Commissioner of Economic and Community Development shall charge and collect interest on each loan extended by the state under this section at a rate not in excess of one per cent above the rate of interest borne by the bonds of the state last issued prior to the date such loan is made. Payments of principal and interest on such loans paid to the Treasurer for deposit in the Employment Incentive Revolving Fund shall be transferred to the Connecticut Growth Fund established under section 32-23v.

      (d) The Commissioner of Economic and Community Development shall adopt regulations in accordance with chapter 54 to carry out the provisions of this section. Such regulations shall establish loan procedures, repayment terms, security requirements, default and remedy provisions and such other terms and conditions as said commissioner shall deem appropriate.

      (e) For the purposes of this section the State Bond Commission shall have power from time to time to authorize the issuance of bonds of the state in one or more series and in principal amounts not exceeding in the aggregate five hundred thousand dollars. All provisions of section 3-20 and the exercise of any right or power granted thereby which is not inconsistent with the provisions of this section, are hereby adopted and shall apply to all bonds authorized by the State Bond Commission pursuant to this section. Temporary notes in anticipation of the money to be derived from the sale of any bonds so authorized may be issued in accordance with said section 3-20 and from time to time renewed. Such bonds shall mature at such time or times not exceeding twenty years from their respective dates as may be provided in or pursuant to the resolution or resolutions of the State Bond Commission authorizing such bonds. None of said bonds shall be authorized except upon a finding by the State Bond Commission that there has been filed with it a request for such authorization, which is signed by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management or by or on behalf of such state officer, department or agency and stating such terms and conditions as said commission, in its discretion, may require. Bonds issued pursuant to this section shall be general obligations of the state and the full faith and credit of the state of Connecticut are pledged for the payment of the principal of and interest on said bonds as the same become due. Accordingly, and as part of the contract of the state with the holders of said bonds, appropriation of all amounts necessary for punctual payment of such principal and interest is hereby made, and the Treasurer shall pay such principal and interest as the same become due.

      (P.A. 78-357, S. 2, 5, 16; P.A. 79-521; P.A. 82-434, S. 5, 6; P.A. 83-580, S. 4, 8; P.A. 86-107, S. 6, 19; P.A. 88-265, S. 33, 36; P.A. 95-250, S. 1; P.A. 96-211, S. 1, 5, 6.)

      History: P.A. 79-521 inserted new Subsec. (b) re loans to nonprofit state or local development corporations, relettering former Subsecs. (b) to (d) accordingly and deleted "working capital" where referring to loans under Subsec. (c), formerly (b); P.A. 82-434 amended Subsec. (a) to delete the necessity of a physical expansion in order to be eligible for a loan; P.A. 83-580 provided for the transfer of outstanding assets and liabilities of fund to the small contractors and manufacturers revolving loan fund in Subsec. (c) and reduced bond authorization in Subsec. (e) from one million to five hundred thousand dollars; P.A. 86-107 removed reference to the state treasurer as trustee of the fund; P.A. 88-265 substituted Connecticut growth fund for small contractors and manufacturers revolving loan fund in Subsec. (c); P.A. 95-250 and P.A. 96-211 replaced Commissioner and Department of Economic Development with Commissioner and Department of Economic and Community Development.

      Sec. 32-9r. Manufacturing facilities in distressed municipalities, targeted investment communities and enterprise zones. Service facilities. Eligibility for business tax credit and property tax exemption. (a) Any person may apply to the department for a determination as to whether the facility described in an application qualifies as a manufacturing facility or service facility. Applications for eligibility certificates are to be made on the forms and in the manner prescribed by the department. In evaluating each application the department may require the submission of all books, records, documents, drawings, specifications, certifications and other evidentiary items which it deems appropriate. No eligibility certificate shall be issued after March 1, 1991, for a manufacturing facility located in a distressed municipality which does not qualify as a targeted investment community unless the department has issued to the applicant a commitment letter for such facility prior to March 1, 1991. Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection, an eligibility certificate may be issued by the department after March 1, 1991, for a qualified manufacturing facility acquired, constructed or substantially renovated in a distressed municipality provided the commissioner determines that such acquisition, construction or substantial renovation was initiated prior to March 1, 1991, and was legitimately induced by the prospect of assistance under section 12-217e and subdivisions (59) and (60) of section 12-81, respectively. The department may issue an eligibility certificate for a qualified manufacturing facility or a qualified service facility located in a targeted investment community upon determination by the commissioner (A) that the acquisition, construction or substantial renovation relating to the qualified manufacturing facility or qualified service facility in such community was induced by the prospect of assistance under section 12-217e and subdivisions (59) and (60) of said section 12-81; and (B) the applicant demonstrates an economic need or there is an economic benefit to the state. The department shall issue an eligibility certificate if the commissioner determines (1) that the manufacturing facility is located in an enterprise zone designated pursuant to section 32-70 and is a qualified manufacturing facility or (2) that the facility is a plant, building, other real property improvement, or part thereof, which is located in a municipality with an entertainment district designated under section 32-76 or established under section 2 of public act 93-311*, and which qualifies as a "manufacturing facility" under subsection (d) of section 32-9p in that it is to be used in the production of entertainment products, including multimedia products, or as part of the airing, display or provision of live entertainment for stage or broadcast, including support services such as set manufacturers, scenery makers, sound and video equipment providers and manufacturers, stage and screen writers, providers of capital for the entertainment industry and agents for talent, writers, producers and music properties and technological infrastructure support including, but not limited to, fiber optics, necessary to support multimedia and other entertainment formats, except entertainment provided by or shown at a gambling or gaming facility or a facility whose primary business is the sale or serving of alcoholic beverages.

      (b) The department shall reach a determination as to the eligibility of a facility within a reasonable time period, but may postpone the determination to the extent required to verify to its satisfaction that there is a high likelihood that any proposed facility will actually be constructed, expanded, substantially renovated or acquired. Upon a favorable finding, the department shall issue to the applicant a certificate to the effect that the facility concerned is a manufacturing facility or a service facility and is eligible for assistance under section 12-217e and subdivisions (59) and (60) of section 12-81.

      (c) Upon an unfavorable determination the department shall issue a notice to the applicant to the effect that the facility concerned has been determined not to be a manufacturing facility or a service facility, together with a statement in reasonable detail as to the reasons for the unfavorable determination. Any aggrieved applicant shall be afforded an opportunity for a public hearing on the matter within thirty days following issuance of the notice. The department shall reconsider the application based upon the information presented at the public hearing and reaffirm or change its earlier determination within ten days of the hearing.

      (d) The decision of the department to issue an eligibility certificate or to deny an application for the issuance of an eligibility certificate either upon the expiration of thirty days without a public hearing following an initial unfavorable determination or upon any reconsideration of the application pursuant to subsection (c) of this section is conclusive and final as to the matters thereby decided, and chapter 54 shall not apply to the administrative determinations authorized to be made by this section.

      (e) Any person who claims a benefit under section 12-217e or subdivisions (59) and (60) of section 12-81 shall notify the department of any change in fact or circumstance which may bear upon the continued qualification as a manufacturing facility or a service facility for which an eligibility certificate has been issued. Upon receipt of such information or upon independent investigation, the department may revoke the eligibility certificate in the manner provided in subsection (c) of this section.

      (f) The commissioner shall adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, to carry out the provisions of this section. Such regulations shall provide that establishments in the category of business services, as defined in the Standard Industrial Classification Manual, or manufacturing facilities, as defined in subsection (d) of section 32-9p, may be eligible for a certificate if they are located in an enterprise zone.

      (P.A. 78-357, S. 6, 16; P.A. 81-109, S. 2, 3; P.A. 90-270, S. 21, 38; P.A. 91-354, S. 1; P.A. 95-334, S. 11, 13; P.A. 96-239, S. 13, 17; P.A. 00-174, S. 49, 83; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-6, S. 63, 85.)

      *Note: Section 2 of public act 93-311 is special in nature and therefore has not been codified, but remains in full force and effect according to its terms.

      History: P.A. 81-109 added Subsec. (f) granting commissioner power to adopt regulations; P.A. 90-270 amended Subsec. (a) by clarifying process for approval of applications for facilities located in targeted investment communities and in enterprise zones; P.A. 91-354 amended Subsec. (f) to require regulations to specify that business services located in enterprise zones be eligible for a certificate; P.A. 95-334 added Subdiv. (2) of Subsec. (a), re eligibility certificates for certain entertainment facilities located in municipalities with entertainment districts, effective July 13, 1995; P.A. 96-239 added references to "service facility" and "qualified service facility" in Subsecs. (a), (b), (c) and (e), effective July 1, 1996; P.A. 00-174 amended Subsec. (f) to include references to facilities within certain categories in the North American Industrial Classification System, effective May 26, 2000; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-6 amended Subsec. (f) to delete provision re the North American Industrial Classification System, add reference to manufacturing facilities as defined in Sec. 32-9p(d) and change "shall" to "may" re certificate eligibility, effective July 1, 2001.

      Sec. 32-9s. State grants in lieu of taxes on exempt property of manufacturing facilities in distressed municipalities, targeted investment communities or enterprise zones and exempt property of service facilities. The state shall make an annual grant payment to each municipality, to each district, as defined in section 7-325, which is located in a distressed municipality, targeted investment community or enterprise zone and to each special services district created pursuant to chapter 105a which is located in a distressed municipality, targeted investment community or enterprise zone in the amount of fifty per cent of the amount of that tax revenue which the municipality or district would have received except for the provisions of subdivisions (59), (60) and (70) of section 12-81. On or before the first day of August of each year, each municipality and district shall file a claim with the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management for the amount of such grant payment to which such municipality or district is entitled under this section. The claim shall be made on forms prescribed by the secretary and shall be accompanied by such supporting information as the secretary may require. Any municipality or district which neglects to transmit to the secretary such claim and supporting documentation as required by this section shall forfeit two hundred fifty dollars to the state, provided the secretary may waive such forfeiture in accordance with procedures and standards adopted by regulation in accordance with chapter 54. The secretary shall review each such claim as provided in section 12-120b. Any claimant aggrieved by the results of the secretary's review shall have the rights of appeal as set forth in section 12-120b. The secretary shall, on or before the December fifteenth next succeeding the deadline for the receipt of such claims, certify to the Comptroller the amount due under this section, including any modification of such claim made prior to December fifteenth, to each municipality or district which has made a claim under the provisions of this section. The Comptroller shall draw an order on the Treasurer on or before the fifth business day following December fifteenth, and the Treasurer shall pay the amount thereof to each such municipality or district on or before the following December thirty-first. If any modification is made as the result of the provisions of this section on or after the December first following the date on which the municipality or district has provided the amount of tax revenue in question, any adjustment to the amount due to any municipality or district for the period for which such modification was made shall be made in the next payment the Treasurer shall make to such municipality or district pursuant to this section. In the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2003, and in each fiscal year thereafter, the amount of the grant payable to each municipality and district in accordance with this section shall be reduced proportionately in the event that the total amount of the grants payable to all municipalities and districts exceeds the amount appropriated.

      (P.A. 78-303, S. 85, 136; 78-357, S. 9, 16; P.A. 80-267, S. 5; P.A. 83-280, S. 1, 3; P.A. 84-203, S. 1, 2; P.A. 85-371, S. 9, 10; P.A. 86-258, S. 3, 8; P.A. 87-115, S. 5, 8; P.A. 88-230, S. 1, 12; 88-287, S. 2, 5; P.A. 89-235, S. 4, 5; P.A. 90-98, S. 1, 2; 90-270, S. 18, 38; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 91-14, S. 9, 30; P.A. 93-142, S. 4, 7, 8; P.A. 95-220, S. 4-6; 95-283, S. 21, 68; P.A. 96-239, S. 14, 15, 17; 96-261, S. 3, 4; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 99-1, S. 17, 51; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-6, S. 55, 85; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 04-2, S. 24; P.A. 05-287, S. 14.)

      History: P.A. 78-303 allowed substitution of commissioner of revenue services for tax commissioner in P.A. 78-357 to fulfill purposes of P.A. 77-614; P.A. 80-267 made provisions applicable to all municipalities where previously they applied solely to "distressed" municipalities; P.A. 83-280 provided for grant payment to special districts and special services districts located within distressed municipalities; P.A. 84-203 changed administrative references from commissioner of revenue services to secretary of the office of policy and management, changed filing date from July first to August first and specified period for appeal; P.A. 85-371 extended deadline for review by the secretary to the following August first and inserted provisions concerning modifications after that date, effective July 1, 1985, and applicable to grant or claim information received by secretary of the office of policy and management on or after that date; P.A. 86-258 added provisions re grants in the case of certain service manufacturing facilities located in an enterprise zone; P.A. 87-115 added the provisions for forfeiture by any municipality which neglects to transmit the claim and supporting documentation as required and provided for waiver of such forfeiture in accordance with regulations to be adopted, effective May 11, 1987, and applicable to claims required to be submitted on or before August 1, 1989, and thereafter; P.A. 88-287 added provisions re payments for revenue a municipality or district would have received except for the provisions of Subdiv. (70) of Sec. 12-81, effective June 6, 1988, and applicable to assessment years of municipalities commencing on or after October 1, 1988; P.A. 89-235 amended Subdiv. (3) to make technical changes to the categories of certified manufacturing facilities located in an enterprise zone which are defined in the Standard Industrial Classification Manual, and deleted the requirement for the creation of ten or more new employment positions for such facilities; P.A. 90-270 expanded eligibility to districts located in targeted investment communities and enterprise zones and expanded the categories of activities that can be engaged in by business to include health services, fishing, hunting and trapping, motor freight transportation and warehousing, water transportation, transportation by air, transportation services, security and commodity brokers, dealers, exchanges and services; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 91-14 amended Subdiv. (1) to decrease the grant amount related to Subdivs. (59) and (60) of Sec. 12-81 from seventy-five per cent of the tax revenue otherwise payable to fifty per cent, effective September 19, 1991, and applicable to grant payments made in the fiscal year commencing July 1, 1991, and in each fiscal year thereafter; P.A. 95-283 changed location of appeal from the judicial district in which the municipality or district is located to the judicial district of Hartford-New Britain, effective October 1, 1996 (Revisor's note: P.A. 88-230, 90-98, 93-142 and 95-220 authorized substitution of "judicial district of Hartford" for "judicial district of Hartford-New Britain", effective September 1, 1998); P.A. 96-239 expanded SIC category list to include telemarketing, effective July 1, 1996; P.A. 96-261 repealed changes made by P.A. 95-283, effective June 10, 1996; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 99-1 deleted Subdiv. (3) re grants with respect to certain manufacturing facilities, and made a technical change, effective July 1, 1999; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-6 deleted former provisions re notice and appeal of decisions of the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, added provisions re appeal in accordance with Sec. 12-120b and made technical changes, effective July 1, 2001; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 04-2 made a technical change and provided for pro rata reduction of grants under section in the event the total amount due to municipalities exceeds the amount appropriated, effective May 12, 2004, and applicable to assessment years commencing on or after October 1, 2002; P.A. 05-287 changed "December first" to "December fifteenth" and changed "on or before the following December fifteenth" to "the fifth business day following December fifteenth", effective July 13, 2005.

      Sec. 32-9t. Urban and industrial site reinvestment program. Registration of fund managers. Tax credits. (a) As used in this section:

      (1) "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development.

      (2) "Eligible industrial site investment project" means a project located within this state for the development or redevelopment of real property: (A) (i) That has been subject to a "spill", as defined in section 22a-452c, (ii) is an "establishment", as defined in subdivision (3) of section 22a-134, or (iii) is a "facility", as defined in 42 USC 9601(9); (B) that, if remediated, renovated or demolished in accordance with applicable law and regulations and the standards of remediation of the Department of Environmental Protection and used for business purposes, will add significant new economic activity and employment in the municipality in which the investment is to be made, and will generate additional tax revenues to the state; (C) for which the use of the urban and industrial site reinvestment program will be necessary to attract private investment to the project; (D) the business use of which would be economically viable and would generate direct and indirect economic benefits to the state that exceed the amount of the investment during the period for which the tax credits granted pursuant to public act 00-170* are granted; and (E) that is, in the judgment of the commissioner, consistent with the strategic economic development priorities of the state and the municipality.

      (3) "Eligible urban reinvestment project" means a project: (A) That would add significant new economic activity in the eligible municipality in which the project is located, and will generate significant additional tax revenues to the state or the municipality; (B) for which the use of the urban and industrial site reinvestment program will be necessary to attract private investment to an eligible municipality; (C) that is economically viable; (D) for which the direct and indirect economic benefits to the state outweigh the costs of the project; and (E) that is, in the judgment of the commissioner, consistent with the strategic economic development priorities of the state and the municipality.

      (4) "Related person" means: (A) A corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or trust controlled by the taxpayer; (B) an individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or trust that is in control of the taxpayer; (C) a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or trust controlled by an individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or trust that is in control of the taxpayer; or (D) a member of the same controlled group as the taxpayer. For purposes of this section, "control", with respect to a corporation, means ownership, directly or indirectly, of stock possessing fifty per cent or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of the stock of such corporation entitled to vote. "Control", with respect to a trust, means ownership, directly or indirectly, of fifty per cent or more of the beneficial interest in the principal or income of such trust. The ownership of stock in a corporation, of a capital or profits interest in a partnership or association or of a beneficial interest in a trust shall be determined in accordance with the rules for constructive ownership of stock provided in Section 267(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or any subsequent corresponding internal revenue code of the United States, as from time to time amended, other than paragraph (3) of such section.

      (5) "Investment" means all amounts invested in an eligible project by or on behalf of a taxpayer, whether directly, through a fund, or through a community development entity including, but not limited to, (A) equity investments made by the taxpayer, and (B) loans.

      (6) "Income year" means with respect to entities subject to taxation under chapters 207 to 212a, the income year as determined under each of said chapters, as the case may be.

      (7) "Taxpayer" means any person, as defined in section 12-1, whether or not subject to any taxes levied by this state.

      (8) "Fund manager" means a fund manager registered in accordance with subsection (d) of this section.

      (9) "New job" means a job that did not exist in the business of a subject business in this state prior to the subject business' application to the commissioner for an eligibility certificate under this section for a new facility and that is filled by a new employee, but does not mean a job created when an employee is shifted from an existing location of the subject business in this state to a new facility.

      (10) "New employee" means a person hired by a subject business to fill a position for a new job or a person shifted from an existing location of the subject business outside this state to a new facility in this state, provided (A) in no case shall the total number of new employees allowed for purposes of this credit exceed the total increase in the taxpayer's employment in this state, which increase shall be the difference between (i) the number of employees employed by the subject business in this state at the time of application for an eligibility certificate to the commissioner plus the number of new employees who would be eligible for inclusion under the credit allowed under this section without regard to this calculation, and (ii) the highest number of employees employed by the subject business in this state in the year preceding the subject business' application for an eligibility certificate to the commissioner, and (B) a person shall be deemed to be a "new employee" only if such person's duties in connection with the operation of the facility are on a regular, full-time, or equivalent thereof, and permanent basis.

      (11) "New facility" means a facility which (A) is acquired by, leased to, or constructed by, a subject business on or after the date of the subject business' application to the commissioner for an eligibility certificate under this section, unless, upon application of the subject business and upon good and sufficient cause shown, the commissioner waives the requirement that such activity take place after the application, and (B) was not in service or use during the one-year period immediately prior to the date of the subject business' application to the commissioner for an eligibility certificate under this section, unless upon application of the subject business and upon good and sufficient cause shown, the commissioner consents to waiving the one-year period.

      (12) "Eligible municipality" means (A) a municipality with an area designated as an enterprise zone pursuant to section 32-70, (B) a distressed municipality, as defined in subsection (b) of section 32-9p, (C) a municipality that has a population in excess of one hundred thousand, or (D) any municipality that the commissioner determines is connected with the relocation of an out-of-state operation or the expansion of an existing facility that will result in a capital investment by a company of not less than fifty million dollars.

      (13) "Eligible project" means an eligible urban reinvestment project or an eligible industrial site investment project or both.

      (14) "Approved investment" means an investment approved by the commissioner under subsection (g) of this section.

      (15) "Recapture amount" means the amount by which the total of tax credits claimed with respect to any approved investment as of the date of calculation exceeds the sum of all state revenue actually generated through such date by the eligible project in which such approved investment was made.

      (16) "Pro rata share" means the percentage the amount of the approved investment by an individual investor in an eligible project bears to the total amount of the approved investment in such project, or in the case of a taxpayer to whom credits are transferred under this section, the percentage the amount of credits with respect to an approved investment transferred bears to the total credits with respect to such approved investment.

      (17) "Community development entity" means any corporation, limited partnership or limited liability company qualified to do business in this state and which (A) is organized for the purpose of providing investment capital or financing for eligible projects under this section, (B) maintains accountability to residents of more than one eligible municipality through representation on the governing board of the entity, (C) is organized for the purpose of seeking certification and an allocation of new markets tax credits as provided in Section 45D of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or any subsequent corresponding internal revenue code of the United States, as from time to time amended, and (D) is registered in accordance with subsection (d) of this section. No community development entity shall be eligible for any tax credits under this section unless it is certified under said Section 45D on the date any approved investment is made. A community development entity shall not be deemed a "fund" for purposes of this section.

      (18) "Project" means the acquisition, leasing, demolition, remediation, construction, renovation, expansion or other development or redevelopment of real property and improvements within this state, including furniture, fixtures, equipment and other personal property which is reasonably necessary in connection therewith, and associated interest and other financing costs and charges, relocation and start-up costs, and architectural, engineering, legal and other professional services, plans, specifications, surveys, permits, studies and evaluations necessary or incident to the development, financing, completion and placing in operation of such a project.

      (b) There is established an urban and industrial site reinvestment program under which taxpayers who make investments in eligible urban reinvestment projects or eligible industrial site investment projects may be allowed a credit against the tax imposed under chapters 207 to 212a, inclusive, or section 38a-743, or a combination of said taxes, in an amount equal to the percentage of their approved investment determined in accordance with subsection (i) of this section.

      (c) No project shall be deemed an eligible project unless such project shall, in the judgment of the commissioner, be of sufficient size, by itself or in conjunction with related new investments, to generate a substantial return to the state economy.

      (d) (1) The commissioner may register managers of funds and community development entities created for the purpose of investing in eligible urban reinvestment projects and eligible industrial site investment projects. Any manager or community development entity registered under this subsection shall have its primary place of business in this state. Each applicant shall submit an application under oath to the commissioner to be registered and shall furnish evidence satisfactory to the commissioner of its financial responsibility, integrity, professional competence and experience in managing investment funds. Failure to maintain adequate fiduciary standards with respect to investments made under this section shall constitute cause for the commissioner to revoke, after hearing, any registration granted under this section or section 38a-88a. The fund manager or community development entity shall make a report on or before the first day of March in each year, under oath, to the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development and the Commissioner of Revenue Services specifying the name, address and Social Security number or employer identification number of each investor, the year during which each investment was made by each investor, the amount of each investment, a description of the fund's investment objectives and relative performance, or the entity's projects, as the case may be, and a description, including amounts, of all fees received by such manager or entity in relation to each such fund.

      (2) Any manager of funds registered on or before July 1, 2000, pursuant to section 38a-88a shall be deemed registered as a fund manager for all purposes under the provisions of this section upon submission, in writing, to the commissioner of such manager's intention to act as a manager of funds under this section. The commissioner may request from any such manager such information as the commissioner may require relating to such manager's financial responsibility, integrity, professional competence and experience in managing investment funds.

      (e) Any taxpayer or fund manager, or community development entity wishing to make an investment under the provisions of this section shall apply to the commissioner in accordance with the provisions of this section. The application shall contain sufficient information to establish that the project in which the proposed investment will be made is an eligible industrial site investment project or an urban reinvestment project, as appropriate, and information concerning the type of investment proposed to be made, the location of the project, the number of jobs to be created or retained, physical infrastructure that might be created or preserved, feasibility studies or business plans for the project, projected state and local revenue that might derive as a result of the project and other information necessary to demonstrate the financial viability of the project and to demonstrate that the investment will provide net benefits to the economy of, and employment for citizens of, the municipality and the state, and in the case of an eligible industrial site investment project, how such project will meet the standards of remediation of the Department of Environmental Protection. The commissioner shall impose a fee for such application as the commissioner deems appropriate.

      (f) (1) The commissioner shall determine whether the project in which the proposed investment is to be made is an eligible urban reinvestment project or an eligible industrial site investment project, whether the project is economically viable only with use of the urban and industrial site reinvestment program, the effects of the project on the municipality where the investment will be made, and whether the project would provide a net benefit to economic development and employment opportunities in the state and whether the project will conform to the state plan of conservation and development. The commissioner may require the applicant to submit such additional information as may be necessary to evaluate the application.

      (2) The commissioner shall prepare a revenue impact assessment that estimates the state and local revenue that would be generated as a result of the project. The commissioner shall prepare an economic feasibility study relative to such project. The commissioner may retain any such persons as the commissioner deems appropriate to conduct such revenue impact assessment or economic feasibility study.

      (g) (1) The commissioner, upon consideration of the application, the revenue impact assessment and any additional information that the commissioner requires concerning a proposed investment, may approve an investment if the commissioner concludes that the project in which such investment is to be made is an eligible urban reinvestment project or an eligible industrial site investment project. If the commissioner rejects an application, the commissioner shall specifically identify the defects in the application and specifically explain the reasons for the rejection. The commissioner shall render a decision on an application not later than ninety days from its receipt. The amount of the investment so approved shall not exceed the greater of: (A) The amount of state revenue that will be generated according to the revenue impact assessment prepared under this subsection; or (B) the total of state revenue and local revenue generated according to such assessment in the case of a manufacturing business with standard industrial classification codes of 3999, 2099, 2992 and 2834 which is relocating to a site in Connecticut from out-of-state, provided the relocation will result in new development of at least seven hundred twenty-five thousand square feet in a state-sponsored industrial park.

      (2) The approval of an investment by the commissioner may be combined with the exercise of any of the commissioner's other powers, including, but not limited to, the provision of other forms of financial assistance.

      (3) The commissioner shall require the applicant to reimburse the commissioner for all or any part of the cost of any revenue impact assessment, economic feasibility study or other activities performed in the exercise of due diligence pursuant to subsection (f) of this section.

      (4) There is established an account to be known as the "Connecticut economic impact and analysis account" which shall be a separate, nonlapsing account within the General Fund. The account shall contain any moneys required by law to be deposited in the account and shall be held separate and apart from other moneys, funds and accounts. There shall be deposited in the account any proceeds realized by the state from activities pursuant to this section. Investment earnings credited to the account shall become part of the assets of the account. Any balance remaining in the account at the end of any fiscal year shall be carried forward in the account for the next fiscal year. Amounts in the account may be used by the Department of Economic and Community Development to fund the cost of any activities of the department pursuant to this section, including administrative costs related to such activities.

      (h) Upon approving an investment, the commissioner shall issue a certificate of eligibility certifying that the applicant has complied with the provisions of this section.

      (i) (1) There shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed under chapters 207 to 212a, inclusive, or section 38a-743, or a combination of said taxes, an amount equal to the following percentage of approved investments made by or on behalf of a taxpayer with respect to the following income years of the taxpayer: (A) With respect to the income year in which the investment in the eligible project was made and the two next succeeding income years, zero per cent; (B) with respect to the third full income year succeeding the year in which the investment in the eligible project was made and the three next succeeding income years, ten per cent; (C) with respect to the seventh full income year succeeding the year in which the investment in the eligible project was made and the next two succeeding years, twenty per cent. The sum of all tax credits granted pursuant to the provisions of this section shall not exceed one hundred million dollars with respect to a single eligible urban reinvestment project or a single eligible industrial site investment project approved by the commissioner. The sum of all tax credits granted pursuant to the provisions of this section shall not exceed five hundred million dollars.

      (2) Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision (1) of this subsection, any applicant may, at the time of application, apply to the commissioner for a credit that exceeds the limitations established by this subsection. The commissioner shall evaluate the benefits of such application and make recommendations to the General Assembly relating to changes in the general statutes which would be necessary to effect such application if the commissioner determines that the proposal would be of economic benefit to the state.

      (j) The credits allowed by this section may be claimed by a taxpayer who has made an investment (1) directly only if such investment has a total asset value, either alone or in conjunction with other taxpayer investments in an eligible project, of not less than five million dollars or, in the case of an investment in an eligible project for the preservation of an historic facility and redevelopment of the facility for mixed uses that includes at least four housing units, a total asset value of not less than two million dollars; (2) through a fund managed by a fund manager registered under this section only if such fund: (A) Has a total asset value of not less than sixty million dollars for the income year for which the initial credit is taken; and (B) has not less than three investors who are not related persons with respect to each other or to any person in which any investment is made other than through the fund at the date the investment is made; or (3) through a community development entity.

      (k) The commissioner shall, upon request, provide a copy of the eligibility certificate issued under subsection (h) of this section to the Commissioner of Revenue Services.

      (l) The tax credit allowed by this section, when made through a fund, shall only be available for investments in funds that are not open to additional investments or investors beyond the amount subscribed at the formation of the fund.

      (m) (1) The Commissioner of Revenue Services may treat one or more corporations that are properly included in a combined corporation business tax return under section 12-223a as one taxpayer in determining whether the appropriate requirements under this section are met. Where corporations are treated as one taxpayer for purposes of this subsection, then the credit shall be allowed only against the amount of the combined tax for all corporations properly included in a combined return that, under the provisions of subdivision (2) of this subsection, is attributable to the corporations treated as one taxpayer.

      (2) The amount of the combined tax for all corporations properly included in a combined corporation business tax return that is attributable to the corporations that are treated as one taxpayer under the provisions of this subsection shall be in the same ratio to such combined tax that the net income apportioned to this state of each corporation treated as one taxpayer bears to the net income apportioned to this state, in the aggregate, of all corporations included in such combined return. Solely for the purposes of computing such ratio, any net loss apportioned to this state by a corporation treated as one taxpayer or by a corporation included in such combined return shall be disregarded.

      (n) Any taxpayer allowed a credit under this section may assign such credit to another taxpayer or taxpayers, provided such other taxpayer or taxpayers may claim such credit only with respect to a taxable year for which the assigning taxpayer would have been eligible to claim such credit and such other taxpayer or taxpayers may not further assign such credit. The taxpayer or taxpayers allowed such credit, the fund manager or the community development entity shall file with the Commissioner of Revenue Services information requested by the commissioner regarding such assignments, including, but not limited to, the current holders of credits as of the end of the preceding calendar year.

      (o) No taxpayer shall be eligible for a credit under (1) this section, and (2) section 12-217e or 38a-88a, for the same investment. No two taxpayers shall be eligible for any tax credit with respect to the same investment or the same project costs.

      (p) Any credit not used in the income year for which it was allowed may be carried forward for the five immediately succeeding income years until the full credit has been allowed.

      (q) (1) Any tax credits approved under this section that would constitute in excess of twenty million dollars in total for a single investment shall be submitted by the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to finance, revenue and bonding prior to the issuance of a certificate of eligibility for such investment. Said committee shall have thirty days from the date such project is submitted to convene a meeting to recommend approval or disapproval of such investment. If such submittal is withdrawn, altered, amended or otherwise changed, and resubmitted, said committee shall have thirty days from the date of such resubmittal to convene a meeting to recommend approval or disapproval of such investment. If said committee does not act on a submittal or resubmittal, as the case may be, within that time, the investment shall be deemed to be approved by said committee.

      (2) While the General Assembly is in session, the House of Representatives or the Senate, or both, may meet not later than thirty days following the date said committee makes a recommendation pursuant to subdivision (1) of this subsection. If such submission is not disapproved by the House of Representatives or the Senate, or both, within such time, the commissioner may issue such certificate.

      (3) While the General Assembly is not in regular session, the House of Representatives or the Senate, or both, may meet not later than thirty days following the date said committee makes a recommendation pursuant to subdivision (1) of this subsection. If such submission is not disapproved by the House of Representatives, the Senate, or both, within such time, the commissioner may issue such certificate.

      (r) Not later than July first in each year that credits allowed by this section are claimed by a taxpayer with respect to an approved investment, the commissioner may retain such persons as said commissioner may deem appropriate to conduct a study to estimate the state revenue that is being and will be generated by the eligible project in which such investment is made. Such economic impact study shall determine whether the state revenue actually generated by such eligible project is equal to the estimate of state revenue made at the time the investment in such eligible project was approved. If the sum of all state revenue actually generated by such eligible project is less than the amount of the total sum of tax credits claimed with respect to the approved investment in such project on the date of such analysis, the commissioner may determine from the person retained pursuant to this subsection the applicable recapture amount and may revoke the certificate of eligibility issued under subsection (h) of this section. The commissioner may require the taxpayer, the fund manager or community development entity that made such approved investment to reimburse the commissioner for all or any part of the cost of any economic impact study performed under this subsection.

      (s) (1) Any taxpayer which has claimed credits allowed by this section related to an investment concerning which the commissioner has revoked the certificate of eligibility issued under subsection (h) of this section, shall be required to recapture such taxpayer's pro rata share of the recapture amount as determined under the provisions of subdivision (2) of this subsection and no subsequent credit shall be allowed unless such certificate of eligibility is reinstated under the provisions of subdivision (3) of this subsection.

      (2) If the taxpayer is required under the provisions of subdivision (1) of this subsection to recapture its pro rata share of the recapture amount during (A) the first year such credit was claimed, then ninety per cent of such share shall be recaptured on the tax return required to be filed for such year, (B) the second of such years, then sixty-five per cent of such share shall be recaptured on the tax return required to be filed for such year, (C) the third of such years, then fifty per cent of such share shall be recaptured on the tax return required to be filed for such year, (D) the fourth of such years, then thirty per cent of such share shall be recaptured on the tax return required to be filed for such year, (E) the fifth of such years, then twenty per cent of such share shall be recaptured on the tax return required to be filed for such year, and (F) the sixth or subsequent of such years, then ten per cent of such share shall be recaptured on the tax return required to be filed for such year. The Commissioner of Revenue Services may recapture such share from the taxpayer who has claimed such credits. If the commissioner is unable to recapture all or part of such share from such taxpayer, the commissioner may seek to recapture such share from any taxpayer who has assigned credits in an amount at least equal to such share to another taxpayer. If the commissioner is unable to recapture all or part of such share from any such taxpayer, the commissioner may recapture such share from any fund through which the investment was made.

      (3) If the commissioner has revoked the certificate of eligibility issued under subsection (h) of this section, such certificate of eligibility shall be reinstated by the commissioner if, upon a request made by the taxpayer, fund manager or community development entity who made such approved investment, an economic impact study conducted pursuant to subsection (r) of this section shall determine that the sum of all state revenue actually generated by the project in which such investment was made is greater than the amount of the total sum of tax credits claimed on the date of such analysis, provided no such request shall be made pursuant to this subsection during the calendar year in which such certificate was revoked. For the purpose of determining whether such certificate shall be reinstated, the commissioner shall, upon receipt of a request made under this subsection, obtain one such economic impact study per calendar year and may obtain additional such economic impact studies as the commissioner deems appropriate.

      (P.A. 00-170, S. 38, 42; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-9, S. 122, 131; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 77; P.A. 04-20, S. 6; P.A. 05-276, S. 2, 3; P.A. 06-159, S. 20; 06-184, S. 10; 06-187, S. 12; 06-189, S. 18.)

      *Public act 00-170 is entitled "An Act Concerning Reduction of Various Taxes and Fees, Sunset of Certain Insurance Reinvestment Funds, Crediting of Interest on the Attorneys' Client Security Fund, a Tax on Snuff Tobacco Products, Funds for the Fisheries Account, Incentives for Urban Site Reinvestment and Use of the Tobacco Settlement Fund". (See Reference Table captioned "Public Acts of 2000" in Volume 16 which lists the sections amended, created or repealed by the act).

      History: P.A. 00-170 effective July 1, 2000 (Revisor's note: In Subsec. (e), a period was inserted editorially by the Revisors before "The commissioner shall"); June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-9 amended Subsec. (a) to redefine "eligible industrial site investment project" in Subdiv. (2), "eligible urban reinvestment project" in Subdiv. (3), "investment" in Subdiv. (5), "recapture amount" in Subdiv. (15), and "pro rata share" in Subdiv. (16), define "community development entity" and "project" in new Subdivs. (17) and (18) and make a technical change in Subdiv. (14), amended Subsec. (b) to change "invest" to "make investments" and add reference to "approved" investment, and added provisions re community development entity, changed "investment" to "project" and made conforming and technical changes in Subsec. (d) to (g), (i), (j), (n), (o), (r) and (s), effective July 1, 2001; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 amended Subsec. (g) by, in Subdiv. (1), adding "greater of:", designating existing maximum investment amount as Subpara. (A) and adding Subpara. (B) re total revenue generated in case of manufacturing business with standard industrial classification codes of 3999, 2099, 2992 and 3834, by adding provision in Subdiv. (3) re other activities performed in the exercise of due diligence and deleting "used in reviewing the application", and by adding new Subdiv. (4) re Connecticut economic impact and analysis account, effective August 20, 2003; P.A. 04-20 made a technical change in Subsec. (g)(3), effective April 16, 2004; P.A. 05-276 amended Subsec. (j)(1) by inserting ", either alone or in conjunction with other taxpayer investments in an eligible project,", reducing the investment threshold for credits from twenty million to five million dollars and further reducing such threshold to two million dollars for an eligible project for preservation of an historic facility and redevelopment of the facility for certain mixed uses, and amended Subsec. (n) by adding "or taxpayers", effective July 13, 2005; P.A. 06-159 amended Subsec. (k) by providing that a copy of the eligibility certificate be submitted upon request of commissioner, rather than requiring such copy to be filed with the tax return, effective June 6, 2006; P.A. 06-184, effective June 9, 2006, and P.A. 06-187, effective May 26, 2006, both redefined "eligible municipality" in Subsec. (a)(12) to add Subpara. (D); P.A. 06-189 amended Subsec. (q) by designating existing provisions as Subdiv. (1) and amending same by replacing procedure for approval by House, Senate or both not later than sixty days after submission of tax credit with provisions re recommendation by Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee not later than thirty days after submission, and adding Subdivs. (2) and (3) providing procedure for approval by House, Senate or both while General Assembly is in regular session and not in regular session.

      Secs. 32-9u to 32-9z. Reserved for future use.

      Secs. 32-9aa and 32-9bb. Loans for the repair of dams. Regulations. Sections 32-9aa and 32-9bb are repealed.

      (P.A. 84-452, S. 1, 2, 4; P.A. 87-416, S. 16, 24; P.A. 88-265, S. 35, 36; 88-266, S. 13, 46.)

      Sec. 32-9cc. Office of Brownfield Remediation and Development. "Brownfields" defined. (a) There is established an Office of Brownfield Remediation and Development that shall be within the Department of Economic and Community Development for administrative purposes only.

      (b) The office shall:

      (1) Develop procedures and policies for streamlining the process for brownfield remediation;

      (2) Identify existing and create new sources of funding for brownfield remediation and develop procedures for expediting the application for and release of such funds to municipalities or economic development agencies;

      (3) Establish a place where municipalities or economic development agencies may facilitate compliance with state and federal clean up requirements and qualification for state funds;

      (4) Identify and prioritize brownfield development opportunities;

      (5) Analyze any action taken by other states, particularly New Jersey and Pennsylvania, regarding brownfield remediation and liability; and

      (6) Develop and execute an outreach program to educate property owners and potential property owners with regard to state policies and procedures for brownfield remediation.

      (c) The Office of Brownfield Remediation and Development shall establish and operate a state-funded pilot program to identify brownfield remediation economic opportunities in four Connecticut municipalities, one of which shall have a population of more than twenty-five thousand but less than fifty thousand, one of which shall have a population of more than fifty thousand but less than one hundred thousand and two of which shall have populations of more than one hundred thousand. The Office of Brownfield Remediation and Development shall designate four pilot municipalities in which untreated brownfields hinder economic development and shall make grants under such pilot program to these municipalities or economic development agencies associated with each of the four municipalities that are likely to produce significant economic development benefit for the designated municipality.

      (d) The Department of Environmental Protection and the Connecticut Development Authority shall each designate a staff member to act as a liaison between their offices and the Office of Brownfield Remediation and Development. The Office of Brownfield Remediation and Development shall develop and recruit two volunteers from the private sector, including a person from the Connecticut chapter of the National Brownfield Association, with experience in different aspects of brownfield remediation and development. Said liaisons and volunteers shall assist the Office of Brownfield Remediation and Development in achieving the goals of this section and, together, shall represent said office's response team.

      (e) The Office of Brownfield Remediation and Development may call upon any other department, board, commission or other agency of the state to supply such reports, information and assistance as said office determines is appropriate to carry out its duties and responsibilities. Each officer or employee of such office, department, board, commission or other agency of the state is authorized and directed to cooperate with the Office of Brownfield Remediation and Development and to furnish such reports, information and assistance.

      (f) Brownfield sites identified for funding under the pilot program established in subsection (c) of this section shall receive priority review status from the Department of Environmental Protection. Each property funded under this program shall be investigated and remediated in accordance with the regulations established for the remediation of such sites adopted by the Commissioner of Environmental Protection or pursuant to section 22a-133k and under the supervision of the department or in accordance with the voluntary remediation program established in section 22a-133x. In either event, the department shall determine that remediation of the property has been fully implemented upon submission of a report indicating that remediation has been verified by an environmental professional licensed in accordance with section 22a-133v. Not later than ninety days after submission of the report, the commissioner shall notify the municipality or economic development agency as to whether the remediation has been performed and completed in accordance with the remediation standards or whether any additional remediation is warranted. For purposes of acknowledging that the remediation is complete, the commissioner may indicate that all actions to remediate any pollution caused by any release have been taken in accordance with the remediation standards and that no further remediation is necessary to achieve compliance except postremediation monitoring, natural attenuation monitoring or the recording of an environmental land use restriction.

      (g) All relevant terms in this subsection, subsection (h) of this section, sections 32-9dd to 32-9ff, inclusive, and section 11 of public act 06-184* shall be defined in accordance with the definitions in chapter 445. For purposes of subdivision (12) of subsection (a) of section 32-9t, this subsection, subsection (h) of this section, sections 32-9dd to 32-9gg, inclusive, and section 11 of public act 06-184*, "brownfields" means any abandoned or underutilized site where redevelopment and reuse has not occurred due to the presence of pollution in the soil or groundwater that requires remediation prior to or in conjunction with the restoration, redevelopment and reuse of the property.

      (h) The Departments of Economic and Community Development and Environmental Protection shall administer the provisions of subdivision (1) of section 22a-134, section 32-1m, subdivision (12) of subsection (a) of section 32-9t, sections 32-9cc to 32-9gg, inclusive, and section 11 of public act 06-184* within available appropriations and any funds allocated pursuant to sections 4-66c, 22a-133t and 32-9t.

      (P.A. 06-184, S. 1, 8, 13.)

      *Note: Section 11 of public act 06-184 is special in nature and therefore has not been codified but remains in full force and effect according to its terms.

      History: P.A. 06-184 effective July 1, 2006.

      See Sec. 4-38f for definition of "administrative purposes only".

      Sec. 32-9dd. Transfer of remediated brownfields. Upon remediation as approved by the Department of Environmental Protection of the brownfield property by the municipality or economic development agency, the economic development agency or the municipality may transfer the property to any person provided such a person is not otherwise liable under section 22a-432, 22a-433, 22a-451 or 22a-452. The person who acquires title from the municipality or economic development agency shall not be liable under section 22a-432, 22a-433, 22a-451 or 22a-452, provided that such person does not cause or contribute to the discharge, spillage, uncontrolled loss, seepage or filtration of such hazardous substance, material or waste and such person is not a member, officer, manager, director, shareholder, subsidiary, successor of, related to, or affiliated with, directly or indirectly, the person who is otherwise liable under section 22a-432, 22a-433, 22a-451 or 22a-452. In addition, the Commissioner of Environmental Protection shall also provide such person with a covenant not to sue pursuant to section 22a-133 and shall not require the prospective purchaser or owner to pay a fee. The municipality or economic development agency shall distribute the proceeds from any sale as follows: (1) Twenty per cent shall be retained by the municipality or economic development agency and used for capital improvements for economic development, and (2) eighty per cent shall be transferred to the Office of Brownfield Remediation and Development and deposited in the account established pursuant to section 32-9ff.

      (P.A. 06-184, S. 6.)

      History: P.A. 06-184 effective July 1, 2006.

      Sec. 32-9ee. Brownfield remediation pilot program and grants. (a) The municipality or economic development agency that receives grants through the Office of Brownfield Remediation and Development's pilot program established in subsection (c) of section 32-9cc shall be considered an innocent party and shall not be liable under section 22a-432, 22a-433, 22a-451 or 22a-452 as long as the municipality or economic development agency did not cause or contribute to the discharge, spillage, uncontrolled loss, seepage or filtration of such hazardous substance, material, waste or pollution that is subject to remediation under this pilot program; does not exacerbate the conditions; and complies with reporting of significant environmental hazard requirements in section 22a-6u.

      (b) In determining what funds shall be made available for brownfield remediation, the Office of Brownfield Remediation and Development shall consider (1) the economic development opportunities such reuse and redevelopment may provide, and (2) the contribution of the reuse and redevelopment to the municipality's tax base.

      (c) No person shall acquire title to or hold, possess or maintain any interest in a property that has been remediated in accordance with the pilot program established in subsection (c) of section 32-9cc if such person (1) is liable under section 22a-432, 22a-433, 22a-451 or 22a-452; (2) is otherwise responsible, directly or indirectly, for the discharge, spillage, uncontrolled loss, seepage or filtration of such hazardous substance, material or waste; (3) is a member, officer, manager, director, shareholder, subsidiary, successor of, related to, or affiliated with, directly or indirectly, the person who is otherwise liable to under section 22a-432, 22a-433, 22a-451 or 22a-452; or (4) is or was an owner, operator or tenant. If such person elects to acquire title to or hold, possess or maintain any interest in the property, that person shall reimburse the state of Connecticut, the municipality and the economic development agency for any and all costs expended to perform the investigation and remediation of the property, plus interest at a rate of eighteen per cent.

      (P.A. 06-184, S. 4, 5, 7.)

      History: P.A. 06-184 effective July 1, 2006.

      Sec. 32-9ff. Connecticut brownfields remediation account. (a) There is established an account to be known as the "Connecticut brownfields remediation account" which shall be a separate, nonlapsing account within the General Fund. The account shall contain any moneys required by law to be deposited in the account and shall be held separate and apart from other moneys, funds and accounts. Investment earnings credited to the account shall become part of the assets of the account. Any balance remaining in the account at the end of any fiscal year shall be carried forward in the account for the next fiscal year.

      (b) The Office of Brownfield Remediation and Development, established in subsections (a) to (f), inclusive, of section 32-9cc may use amounts in the account established pursuant to subsection (a) of this section to fund remediation and restoration of brownfield sites as part of the pilot program established in subsection (c) of section 32-9cc.

      (P.A. 06-184, S. 12.)

      History: P.A. 06-184 effective July 1, 2006.

      Sec. 32-9gg. Brownfield remediation funds for manufacturing facilities. (a) For purposes of this section, "brownfield" has the same definition as in 42 USC 9601 and "manufacturing establishments" means manufacturing establishments as defined in the North American Industrial Classification System, United States Office of Management and Budget, 1997 edition.

      (b) Existing owners of manufacturing facilities designated as brownfield sites shall be eligible for any available remediation funds, provided such owners demonstrate to the funding authority's satisfaction they did not cause the release of any hazardous substances or petroleum at the brownfield or provided the owner demonstrates the following:

      (1) It did not knowingly cause injury to human health or the environment as a result of its disposal of hazardous substances or petroleum; and

      (2) It has never been found guilty of knowingly or wilfully violating an environmental law.

      (c) In determining what funds shall be made available for brownfield remediation, the funding authority shall consider an owner's ability to pay some or all of the remediation costs. Said authority shall give preference to owners that demonstrate a limited ability to pay for such remediation.

      (d) In providing funds pursuant to this section, the funding authority may impose the following conditions:

      (1) The owner receiving the funds not transfer title of the property for a set period of not more than ten years;

      (2) The owner receiving funds reimburse the state for such funds in the event that it receives funds for remediation from other sources; or

      (3) The owner receiving funds continues to employ residents of the state for a set period of not less than ten years.

      (P.A. 06-184, S. 9.)

      Secs. 32-9hh to 32-9jj. Transferred to Chapter 300a, Secs. 17-31ee to 17-31gg, inclusive.

      Secs. 32-9kk to 32-9mm. Reserved for future use.

      Secs. 32-9nn to 32-9pp. Loans for business disruption caused by road and bridge repair. Road and Bridge Repair Business Disruption Trust Fund. Bond issue. Sections 32-9nn to 32-9pp, inclusive, are repealed.

      (P.A. 86-335, S. 1-3, 5; P.A. 88-265, S. 35, 36.)

      Sec. 32-9qq. Business outreach center challenge grants. Eligibility of greenways projects. (a) It is hereby found and declared as a matter of legislative determination that there is a continuing need in the state for stimulation and encouragement of economic growth and development within the state through the establishment of business outreach centers located in certain regions of the state or for certain industry sectors to assist in providing services to small businesses and minority business enterprises as defined in section 4a-60g in the areas of business plan development, financial projection and planning, loan packaging, business counseling and related follow-up services, including the monitoring of any of the foregoing.

      (b) The business outreach center challenge grant program is hereby created. In order to stimulate and encourage economic growth and development, the state, acting through the Department of Economic and Community Development, may make grants for the establishment of business outreach centers located in certain regions of the state or for certain industry sectors to assist in providing services to small businesses and minority business enterprises. Such grants shall be made under such terms and conditions as the department deems appropriate and shall be payable from the proceeds of the sale of bonds authorized under subsection (f) of this section and funds received by the department from any other source, in accordance with the following provisions:

      (1) A business outreach center shall be any nonprofit or governmental entity providing or able to provide assistance to small businesses and minority business enterprises in the areas of business plan development, financial projection, loan package planning, including loan packaging for small businesses and minority business enterprises which are seeking financial assistance from the Connecticut Development Authority, business counseling and related monitoring and follow-up services.

      (2) The department may require any entity receiving a grant pursuant to this section to obtain a matching grant in such amount as the department determines in its discretion. Such matching grant may include cash and in-kind contributions.

      (c) Grants may be made under this section to municipalities and other organizations for the purpose of providing funds to develop greenways, including, but not limited to, transportation-related greenways supported by the federal Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, as amended from time to time. The amount of any grant shall be as follows: (1) For transportation greenways projects that are part of interstate greenways, not more than twenty per cent of the project cost; (2) for transportation greenways projects that are local spurs from interstate greenways or that are intertown greenways projects, not more than ten per cent of the project cost; and (3) for greenways that are not transportation greenways, not more than half of the capital costs of the project.

      (d) Applications for grants under this section shall be submitted on forms provided by the department. When reviewing applications, the department shall consider such factors as the impact on certain regions of the state or certain industry sectors, the applicant's plan for outreach efforts designed to inform small businesses and minority business enterprises of available sources of financial and technical assistance and the commitment and capacity of the applicant to provide assistance to small businesses and minority business enterprises under this section.

      (e) Each grant made under this section shall be authorized pursuant to regulations adopted by the Department of Economic and Community Development in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, which regulations may include, but shall not be limited to, provisions concerning application requirements, grant amounts and eligible use of funds, provided the amount of any grant under subsection (b) of this section shall be not more than the amount specified in said subsection.

      (f) For the purposes of this section, the State Bond Commission shall have the power, from time to time, to authorize the issuance of bonds of the state in one or more series and in principal amounts not exceeding in the aggregate two million five hundred thousand dollars. The proceeds of the sale of said bonds shall be used by the Department of Economic and Community Development for grants under the business outreach center challenge grant program created under this section. All provisions of section 3-20 or the exercise of any right or power granted thereby which are not inconsistent with the provisions of this section are hereby adopted and shall apply to all bonds authorized by the State Bond Commission pursuant to this section, and temporary notes in anticipation of the money to be derived from the sale of any such bonds so authorized may be issued in accordance with said section 3-20 and from time to time renewed. Said bonds shall mature at such time or times not exceeding twenty years from their respective dates as may be provided in or pursuant to the resolution or resolutions of the State Bond Commission authorizing such bonds. None of such bonds shall be authorized except upon a finding by the State Bond Commission that there has been filed with it a request for such authorization, which is signed by or on behalf of the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management and states such terms and conditions as said commission in its discretion may require. Said bonds issued pursuant to this section shall be general obligations of the state and the full faith and credit of the state of Connecticut are pledged for the payment of the principal of and interest on said bonds as the same become due, and accordingly and as part of the contract of the state with the holders of said bonds, appropriation of all amounts necessary for punctual payment of such principal and interest is hereby made, and the Treasurer shall pay such principal and interest as the same become due. Net earnings on investments or reinvestments of proceeds, accrued interest and premiums on the issuance of such bonds, after payment therefrom of expenses incurred by the Treasurer or State Bond Commission in connection with their issuance, shall become part of the business outreach center challenge grant program.

      (P.A. 88-265, S. 28, 36; P.A. 89-119, S. 2, 4; P.A. 95-250, S. 1; 95-335, S. 5, 26; P.A. 96-211, S. 1, 5, 6; P.A. 00-148, S. 18; P.A. 05-288, S. 140.)

      History: P.A. 89-119 made technical change to Subsec. (b); P.A. 95-250 and P.A. 96-211 replaced Commissioner and Department of Economic Development with Commissioner and Department of Economic and Community Development; P.A. 95-335 inserted new Subsec. (c) making greenways projects eligible for grants and relettered the remaining Subsecs., effective July 1, 1995; P.A. 00-148 amended Subsec. (c) by changing "Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991" to "Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century"; P.A. 05-288 made a technical change in Subsec. (e), effective July 13, 2005.

      See Sec. 23-100 re definition of "greenways".

      Secs. 32-9rr and 32-9ss. Connecticut business recruitment task force. Export-trade panel established to assist small and medium-sized businesses expand exports of Connecticut products to international markets. Sections 32-9rr and 32-9ss are repealed.

      (P.A. 89-245, S. 19; P.A. 91-169, S. 1, 3; 91-280, S. 1, 4; P.A. 95-38, S. 8; 95-250, S. 1; P.A. 96-59.)

      Sec. 32-9tt. Funding for businesses new to exporting. (a) The Commissioner of Economic and Community Development may provide cost sharing or matching grant moneys, with funds available through bond authorization pursuant to section 32-235, to assist and promote economic clusters representing businesses that are new to exporting or organizations representing such businesses. For purposes of this section, "cost sharing or matching grant moneys" means all contributions, including cash and third party in-kind donations that are approved by the commissioner.

      (b) Such cost sharing or matching grant moneys shall be available to a group of businesses or the organization representing such group, for the following purposes: (1) Recruiting and organizing of member businesses for the purpose of collaborating on ways in which the member business may export their products and services to other countries; (2) researching and identifying the foreign markets where there is a demand for their products and services; (3) designating agents for the purpose of accessing the services of federal, state, local, private and nonprivate export service providers; and (4) identifying and contracting with foreign representatives in the identified markets to promote and sell the products and services of the member businesses.

      (c) A group receiving grants shall provide the commissioner with information concerning goals, methodology, budget and program results. Such information shall be provided in a form and manner prescribed by the commissioner.

      (P.A. 00-153.)

      Sec. 32-9uu. Program to increase entrepreneurial potential in the inner cities. The Commissioner of Economic and Community Development may establish, within available appropriations, a program to increase the entrepreneurial potential in the inner cities and provide successful role models that will further demonstrate to students and residents the value of market-based strategies to increase wealth and income.

      (P.A. 05-276, S. 4.)

      History: P.A. 05-276 effective July 13, 2005.

      Sec. 32-9vv. Connecticut Hydrogen-Fuel Cell Coalition. The Department of Economic and Community Development shall establish, in consultation with the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, a Connecticut Hydrogen-Fuel Cell Coalition.

      (P.A. 06-187, S. 63.)

      History: P.A. 06-187 effective May 26, 2006.

      Sec. 32-9ww. Fuel cell economic development plan. Reports. The Department of Economic and Community Development shall contract with the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology to develop a plan for fuel cell economic development, in consultation with the Connecticut Hydrogen-Fuel Cell Coalition, the Renewable Energy Investment Fund, established pursuant to subsection (c) of section 16-245n, and other appropriate state agencies. The plan shall include a strategy to (1) facilitate the commercialization of hydrogen-based technologies and fuel cells; (2) enhance energy reliability and security; (3) promote the improved efficiency and environmental performance of transportation and electric generation with reduced emissions, reduced greenhouse gases, more efficient use of nonrenewable fuels and increased use of renewable and sustainable fuels; (4) facilitate the installation of infrastructure for hydrogen production, storage, transportation and fueling capability; (5) disseminate information regarding the benefits of hydrogen-based technologies and fuel cells; (6) develop strategies to retain and expand hydrogen and fuel cell industries in Connecticut; (7) in consultation with the Department of Transportation, identify areas within the state transportation system that would benefit from the integration of potential mass transit and fleet transit locations with hydrogen or natural gas and hydrogen mixture refueling stations; and (8) in consultation with electric and natural gas service providers, identify areas in the electric and natural gas distribution system of the state that would benefit from the development of distributed generation through hydrogen or fuel cell technology as a reliability asset necessary for voltage control, grid security, or system reliability, or for the provision of required uninterruptible service at customer sites. On or before January 1, 2007, the department shall submit a preliminary report, in accordance with section 11-4a, to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to commerce on the progress of the plan, and on or before January 1, 2008, shall submit a final report, in accordance with section 11-4a, on such plan to said committee.

      (P.A. 06-187, S. 64.)

      History: P.A. 06-187 effective May 26, 2006.