Designation of economic development districts

the proposed district is of sufficient size or population, and contains sufficient resources, to foster economic development on a scale involving more than a single area described in section 3161(a) of this title; the proposed district contains at least 1 area described in section 3161(a) of this title; and contains a specific program for intra-district cooperation, self-help, and public investment; and is approved by each affected State and by the Secretary. invite the States to determine boundaries for proposed economic development districts; in sponsoring and assisting district economic planning and economic development groups; and in assisting the district groups in formulating comprehensive economic development strategies for districts; and encourage participation by appropriate local government entities in the economic development districts. In order that economic development projects of broad geographic significance may be planned and carried out, the Secretary may designate appropriate economic development districts in the United States, with the concurrence of the States in which the districts will be wholly or partially located, if— the proposed district has a comprehensive economic development strategy that— The Secretary may, under regulations promulgated by the Secretary— cooperate with the States— (Source: (Pub. L. 89–136, title IV, § 401, as added Pub. L. 105–393, title I, § 102(a), Nov. 13, 1998, 112 Stat. 3608.))