§41-23-22. Enterprise zones generally.

(a) The department shall establish criteria for qualifications of enterprise zones. These criteria shall not be in conflict with any provisions of federal enterprise zone legislation that may be enacted for enterprise zones which apply for federal designation. The department shall give consideration to the following:

(1) Unemployment.

(2) Poverty rate.

(3) Per capita income.

(4) Migration.

(5) Number of residents receiving public assistance.

(b) There initially shall be 10 enterprise zones within the State of Alabama, excluding any zones established in Birmingham [pursuant to Act No. 83-142, S. 18 of the 1983 Second Special Session (Acts 1983, p. 150)] and Prichard [pursuant to Act No. 83-676, S. 506 of the 1983 Regular Session (Acts 1983, p. 1065)], and Montgomery [pursuant to Act No. 86-201, H. 538 of the 1986 Regular Session (Acts 1986, p. 264)]. Within 18 months after passage of this article, additional geographic areas shall be targeted as enterprise zones. There shall not be more than 27 enterprise zones established in Alabama.

(c) Each zone shall not exceed a maximum of 10,000 acres.

(d) Notwithstanding any provision of this section to the contrary, effective June 1, 1999, an enterprise zone shall be established in Tallapoosa County and every incorporated municipality therein.

(Acts 1987, No. 87-573, p. 897, §3; Acts 1989, No. 89-659, p. 1310; Act 99-365, p. 585, §1; Act 2002-524, p. 1370, §1.)