§ 5-403. Legislative findings; purposes

   (a) Findings. -- The General Assembly finds that:

   (1) unemployment conditions exist in many areas of the State;

   (2) the acquisition and improvement of facilities are essential to relieve this unemployment and establish a balanced economy in the State;

   (3) the health, safety, welfare, and right of gainful employment of residents throughout the State will be promoted by the acquisition and improvement of facilities;

   (4) the control or abatement of environmental pollution in the State, including noise pollution, is necessary to:

      (i) protect the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the State;

      (ii) protect natural resources;

      (iii) retain and attract industry and commercial enterprises; and

      (iv) promote economic development;

   (5) public ports in the State are valuable assets and any improvements to these ports that increase the import and export of waterborne commerce will directly benefit residents throughout the State;

   (6) businesses need greater access to capital markets; and

   (7) the availability of financial assistance under this subtitle will promote the economic development of the State.

(b) Purposes. -- The purposes of this subtitle are to:

   (1) relieve unemployment in the State;

   (2) encourage the increase of industry and commerce and a balanced economy in the State;

   (3) help retain and attract industry and commerce through measures including:

      (i) port development;

      (ii) the control, reduction, or abatement of environmental pollution; and

      (iii) the utilization and disposal of wastes;

   (4) promote economic development;

   (5) protect natural resources and encourage resource recovery;

   (6) encourage the creation and expansion of day care facilities in the State; and

   (7) promote the health, safety, and welfare of residents throughout the State.

HISTORY: An. Code 1957, art. 83A, § 5-902(a), (b); 2008, ch. 306, § 2.