Sec. 2. (a) Present economic conditions in certain areas of certain units are stagnant or deteriorating.

     (b) Present economic conditions in such areas are beyond remedy and control by regulatory processes because of the substantial public financial commitments necessary to encourage significant increases in economic activities in such areas.

     (c) Encouragement of economic development in these areas will:

(1) attract new businesses and encourage existing businesses to remain or expand;

(2) increase temporary and permanent employment opportunities and private sector investment;

(3) protect and increase state and local tax bases; and

(4) encourage overall economic growth in Indiana.

     (d) Redevelopment and stimulation of economic development benefit the health and welfare of the people of Indiana, are public uses and purposes for which public money may be spent, and are of public utility and benefit.

     (e) Economic development in such areas can be accomplished only by a coordinated effort of local and state governments.

     (f) Redevelopment and economic development under this chapter or IC 36-7-15.1 constitute a local public improvement that provides special benefits to residents and taxpayers of the special taxing district established under IC 36-7-15.1.

     (g) This chapter shall be liberally construed to carry out its purposes and to provide units with maximum flexibility to accomplish those purposes.

As added by P.L.84-1987, SEC.13.