Application

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In order to obtain designation as an enterprise zone, an eligible entity must submit an application to the Governor's Office of Economic Economic Development (GOED). The application must include a plan which is part of an economic development strategic plan, and which includes the following:

1. The economic development and enterprise zone plans must meet the basic plan criteria established by GOED. The basic criteria include, but are not limited to the following:
   • Public hearings must be held throughout the planning process to obtain public support and consensus.
   • Community assessments, including local infrastructure and labor force.
   • Development of appropriate local zoning ordinances.
   • Identification of industrial areas which will receive enterprise zone benefits.
   • Goals and objectives for growth.
   • Action steps, including assignments and timetables.
   • Identification of resources necessary to implement the action steps.
   • Evaluation.
      
2. Designations will not cover entire counties (as with the old enterprise zone program), or entire municipalities. Instead, applicants must identify an area or areas which they would like to have designated as an enterprise zone. The application must include a rationale for the designation, such as what industries are being targeted for the zone and why. The rationale should also show a clear tie to local planning.
    
3. Data about expected use and projected benefits of the enterprise zone. This information must include projections of the number of eligible businesses reasonable expected to claim credits, number of jobs reasonably expected to be created and wage levels expected, and amount of new investment reasonably expected.
    
4. Information about industry and job targeting.
    
5. Commitments from businesses.
    
6. Description and commitment of qualifying local contributions as outlined in UCA 9-2-405.
    
7. A copy of the county or municipal applicant's economic development strategic plan to show coordination between county, municipal, and zone goals.
    
8. The applicant's proposed means of assessing the effectiveness of its zone plan, programs, and activities.
    
9. The applicant's ability to implement the action steps of its plan.
    
10. Any additional information required by GOED.
     
11. Any additional information the county applicant or municipal applicant considers relevant to its designation.

Applications will be reviewed by a committee comprised of five GOED professional staff members. A rating system will be used to determine the degree to which each application meets the criteria.