Title 42 › Chapter CHAPTER 38— - PUBLIC WORKS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT › § 3122
Defines important words used in the chapter so everyone knows what the terms mean. Blue economy means using ocean, lake, or other water resources in ways that support economic growth and are sustainable. Capacity building means early-stage, community-level work to form projects, like planning, outreach, research, mentoring, and grants before predevelopment starts. Comprehensive economic development strategy means a strategy the Secretary of Commerce has approved under section 3162. Department means the Department of Commerce. Economic development district means an area made of certain counties or communities that the Secretary of Commerce has officially designated, including districts designated under an earlier version of the law. Eligible recipient covers eight types of groups that can get help, such as economic development districts, Indian tribes, States, cities or local governments, colleges, nonprofit groups working with local officials, economic development organizations, and public‑private partnerships (and for grants under section 3147 it also includes individuals and for‑profit businesses). Federal agency means any U.S. department, agency, or instrumentality. Grant includes cooperative agreements. Indian tribe means a Native American group or Alaska Native village or Regional Corporation recognized by the United States. Outdoor recreation means nature-based outdoor activities and the businesses that support them. Project predevelopment means things to finish before a project starts, like planning, training, technical help, feasibility studies, demonstrations, and other similar steps the Secretary approves. Regional Commission refers to ten specific regional authorities named in the law (for example Appalachian and Delta). Secretary means the Secretary of Commerce. State lists U.S. States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau. Travel and tourism means economic activity that encourages recreational or business travel in or to the United States, including activities tied to public or nonprofit entertainment venues. United States means all of the States. University center means a college or group of colleges set up under section 3147(c)(1).
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The Public Health and Welfare — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
Legislative History
Reference
Citation
42 U.S.C. § 3122
Title 42 — The Public Health and Welfare
Last Updated
Apr 6, 2026
Release point: 119-73