Section 304.1 - Designation of Economic Development Districts: Regional eligibilityUpon the request of a District Organization (as defined in § 304.2 ), EDA may designate a Region as an Economic Development District if such Region:
(a) Contains at least one geographic area that is subject to the economic distress criteria set forth in § 301.3(a)(1) of this chapter and is identified in an approved CEDS;(b) Is of sufficient size or population and contains sufficient resources to foster economic development on a scale involving more than a single geographic area subject to the economic distress criteria set forth in § 301.3(a)(1) of this chapter;(c) Has an EDA-approved CEDS that:(1) Meets the requirements under § 303.7 of this chapter;(2) Contains a specific program for intra-District cooperation, self-help, and public investment; and(3) Is approved by each affected State and by the Assistant Secretary;(d) Obtains commitments from at least a majority of the counties or other areas within the proposed District, as determined by EDA, to support the economic development activities of the District; and(e) Obtains the concurrence with the designation request from the State (or States) in which the proposed District will be wholly or partially located.71 FR 56675, Sept. 27, 2006, as amended at 79 FR 76131, Dec. 19, 2014