In this chapter:

(1) Comprehensive economic development strategy

The term “comprehensive economic development strategy” means a comprehensive economic development strategy approved by the Secretary under section 3162 of this title.

(2) Department

The term “Department” means the Department of Commerce.

(3) Economic development district

(A) In general

The term “economic development district” means any area in the United States that—

(i) is composed of areas described in section 3161(a) of this title and, to the extent appropriate, neighboring counties or communities; and

(ii) has been designated by the Secretary as an economic development district under section 3171 of this title.

(B) Inclusion

The term “economic development district” includes any economic development district designated by the Secretary under section 3173 of this title (as in effect on the day before the effective date of the Economic Development Administration Reform Act of 1998).

(4) Eligible recipient

(A) In general

The term “eligible recipient” means—

(i) an economic development district;

(ii) an Indian tribe;

(iii) a State;

(iv) a city or other political subdivision of a State, including a special purpose unit of a State or local government engaged in economic or infrastructure development activities, or a consortium of political subdivisions;

(v) an institution of higher education or a consortium of institutions of higher education; or

(vi) a public or private nonprofit organization or association acting in cooperation with officials of a political subdivision of a State.

(B) Training, research, and technical assistance grants

In the case of grants under section 3147 of this title, the term “eligible recipient” also includes private individuals and for-profit organizations.

(5) Federal agency

The term “Federal agency” means a department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States.

(6) Grant

The term “grant” includes a cooperative agreement (within the meaning of chapter 63 of title 31).

(7) Indian tribe

The term “Indian tribe” means any Indian tribe, band, nation, pueblo, or other organized group or community, including any Alaska Native village or Regional Corporation (as defined in or established under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.)), that is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians.

(8) Regional Commissions

The term “Regional Commissions” means—

(A) the Appalachian Regional Commission established under chapter 143 of title 40;

(B) the Delta Regional Authority established under subtitle F of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2009aa et seq.);

(C) the Denali Commission established under the Denali Commission Act of 1998 (42 U.S.C. 3121 note; 112 Stat. 2681-637 et seq.); and

(D) the Northern Great Plains Regional Authority established under subtitle G of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2009bb et seq.).

(9) Secretary

The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of Commerce.

(10) State

The term “State” means a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau.

(11) United States

The term “United States” means all of the States.

(12) University center

The term “university center” means an institution of higher education or a consortium of institutions of higher education established as a University Center for Economic Development under section 3147(a)(2)(D) of this title.