Illinois Chapter 20 Executive Branch

20 ILCS 655/      Illinois Enterprise Zone Act.
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    (20 ILCS 655/1) (from Ch. 67 1/2, par. 601)
    Sec. 1. This Act shall be known and may be cited as the "Illinois Enterprise Zone Act".
(Source: P.A. 82‑1019.)

    (20 ILCS 655/2) (from Ch. 67 1/2, par. 602)
    Sec. 2. The General Assembly finds and declares that the health, safety and welfare of the people of this State are dependent upon a healthy economy and vibrant communities; that the continual encouragement, development, growth and expansion of the private sector within the State requires a cooperative and continuous partnership between government and the private sector; and that there are certain depressed areas in this State that need the particular attention of government, business, labor and the citizens of Illinois to help attract private sector investment into these areas and directly aid the local community and its residents. Therefore, it is declared to be the purpose of this Act to explore ways and means of stimulating business and industrial growth and retention in depressed areas and stimulating neighborhood revitalization of depressed areas of the State by means of relaxed government controls and tax incentives in those areas.
(Source: P.A. 82‑1019.)

    (20 ILCS 655/3) (from Ch. 67 1/2, par. 603)
    Sec. 3. Definition. As used in this Act, the following words shall have the meanings ascribed to them, unless the context otherwise requires:
    (a) "Department" means the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
    (b) "Enterprise Zone" means an area of the State certified by the Department as an Enterprise Zone pursuant to this Act.
    (c) "Depressed Area" means an area in which pervasive poverty, unemployment and economic distress exist.
    (d) "Designated Zone Organization" means an association or entity: (1) the members of which are substantially all residents of the Enterprise Zone; (2) the board of directors of which is elected by the members of the organization; (3) which satisfies the criteria set forth in Section 501(c) (3) or 501(c) (4) of the Internal Revenue Code; and (4) which exists primarily for the purpose of performing within such area or zone for the benefit of the residents and businesses thereof any of the functions set forth in Section 8 of this Act.
    (e) "Agency" means each officer, board, commission and agency created by the Constitution, in the executive branch of State government, other than the State Board of Elections; each officer, department, board, commission, agency, institution, authority, university, body politic and corporate of the State; and each administrative unit or corporate outgrowth of the State government which is created by or pursuant to statute, other than units of local government and their officers, school districts and boards of election commissioners; each administrative unit or corporate outgrowth of the above and as may be created by executive order of the Governor. No entity shall be considered an "agency" for the purposes of this Act unless authorized by law to make rules or regulations.
    (f) "Rule" means each agency statement of general applicability that implements, applies, interprets or prescribes law or policy, but does not include (i) statements concerning only the internal management of an agency and not affecting private rights or procedures available to persons or entities outside the agency, (ii) intra‑agency memoranda, or (iii) the prescription of standardized forms.
(Source: P.A. 94‑793, eff. 5‑19‑06.)

    (20 ILCS 655/4) (from Ch. 67 1/2, par. 604)
    Sec. 4. Qualifications for Enterprise Zones. (1) An area is qualified to become an enterprise zone which:
    (a) is a contiguous area, provided that a zone area may exclude wholly surrounded territory within its boundaries;
    (b) comprises a minimum of one‑half square mile and not more than 12 square miles, or 15 square miles if the zone is located within the jurisdiction of 4 or more counties or municipalities, in total area, exclusive of lakes and waterways; however, in such cases where the enterprise zone is a joint effort of three or more units of government, or two or more units of government if situated in a township which is divided by a municipality of 1,000,000 or more inhabitants, and where the certification has been in effect at least one year, the total area shall comprise a minimum of one‑half square mile and not more than thirteen square miles in total area exclusive of lakes and waterways;
    (c) is a depressed area;
    (d) satisfies any additional criteria established by regulation of the Department consistent with the purposes of this Act; and
    (e) is (1) entirely within a municipality or (2) entirely within the unincorporated areas of a county, except where reasonable need is established for such zone to cover portions of more than one municipality or county or (3) both comprises (i) all or part of a municipality and (ii) an unincorporated area of a county.
    (2) Any criteria established by the Department or by law which utilize the rate of unemployment for a particular area shall provide that all persons who are not presently employed and have exhausted all unemployment benefits shall be considered unemployed, whether or not such persons are actively seeking employment.
(Source: P.A. 86‑803.)

    (20 ILCS 655/5) (from Ch. 67 1/2, par. 605)
    Sec. 5. Initiation of Enterprise Zones by Municipality or County. (a) No area may be designated as an enterprise zone except pursuant to an initiating ordinance adopted in accordance with this Section.
    (b) A county or municipality may by ordinance designate an area within its jurisdiction as an enterprise zone, subject to the certification of the Department in accordance with this Act, if:
    (i) the area is qualified in accordance with Section 4; and
    (ii) the county or municipality has conducted at least one public hearing within the proposed zone area on the question of whether to create the zone, what local plans, tax incentives and other programs should be established in connection with the zone, and what the boundaries of the zone should be; public notice of such hearing shall be published in at least one newspaper of general circulation within the zone area, not more than 20 days nor less than 5 days before the hearing.
    (c) An ordinance designating an area as an enterprise zone shall set forth:
    (i) a precise description of the area comprising the zone, either in the form of a legal description or by reference to roadways, lakes and waterways, and township, county boundaries;
    (ii) a finding that the zone area meets the qualifications of Section 4;
    (iii) provisions for any tax incentives or reimbursement for taxes, which pursuant to state and federal law apply to business enterprises within the zone at the election of the designating county or municipality, and which are not applicable throughout the county or municipality;
    (iv) a designation of the area as an enterprise zone, subject to the approval of the Department in accordance with this Act;
    (v) the duration or term of the enterprise zone.
    (d) This Section does not prohibit a municipality or county from extending additional tax incentives or reimbursement for business enterprises in Enterprise Zones or throughout their territory by separate ordinance.
    (e) No county or municipality located within the Metro East Mass Transit District which adopts an ordinance designating an area within the District as an Enterprise Zone shall provide for any exemption, deduction, credit, refund or abatement of any taxes imposed by the Metro East Mass Transit District Board of Trustees under Section 5.01 of the "Local Mass Transit District Act", approved July 21, 1959, as amended.
    (f) The Department shall encourage applications from all areas of the State and shall actively solicit applications from those counties with populations of less than 300,000.
(Source: P.A. 85‑870.)

    (20 ILCS 655/5.1) (from Ch. 67 1/2, par. 606)
    Sec. 5.1. Application to Department. A county or municipality which has adopted an ordinance designating an area as an enterprise zone shall make written application to the Department to have such proposed enterprise zone certified by the Department as an Enterprise Zone. The application shall include:
    (i) a certified copy of the ordinance designating the proposed zone;
    (ii) a map of the proposed enterprise zone, showing existing streets and highways;
    (iii) an analysis, and any appropriate supporting documents and statistics, demonstrating that the proposed zone area is qualified in accordance with Section 4;
    (iv) a statement detailing any tax, grant, and other financial incentives or benefits, and any programs, to be provided by the municipality or county to business enterprises within the zone, other than those provided in the designating ordinance, which are not to be provided throughout the municipality or county;
    (v) a statement setting forth the economic development and planning objectives for the zone;
    (vi) a statement describing the functions, programs, and services to be performed by designated zone organizations within the zone;
    (vii) an estimate of the economic impact of the zone, considering all of the tax incentives, financial benefits and programs contemplated, upon the revenues of the municipality or county;
    (viii) a transcript of all public hearings on the zone;
    (ix) in the case of a joint application, a statement detailing the need for a zone covering portions of more than one municipality or county and a description of the agreement between joint applicants; and
    (x) such additional information as the Department by regulation may require.
(Source: P.A. 82‑1019.)

    (20 ILCS 655/5.2) (from Ch. 67 1/2, par. 607)
    Sec. 5.2. Department Review of Enterprise Zone Applications. (a) All applications which are to be considered and acted upon by the Department during a calendar year must be received by the Department no later than December 31 of the preceding calendar year.
    Any application received on or after January 1 of any calendar year shall be held by the Department for consideration and action during the following calendar year.
    (b) Upon receipt of an application from a county or municipality the Department shall review the application to determine whether the designated area qualifies as an enterprise zone under Section 4 of this Act.
    (c) No later than May 1, the Department shall notify all applicant municipalities and counties of the Department's determination of the qualification of their respective designated enterprise zone areas.
    (d) If any such designated area is found to be qualified to be an enterprise zone, the Department shall, no later than May 15, publish a notice in at least one newspaper of general circulation within the proposed zone area to notify the general public of the application and their opportunity to comment. Such notice shall include a description of the area and a brief summary of the application and shall indicate locations where the applicant has provided copies of the application for public inspection. The notice shall also indicate appropriate procedures for the filing of written comments from zone residents, business, civic and other organizations and property owners to the Department.
    (e) By July 1 of each calendar year, the Department shall either approve or deny all applications filed by December 31 of the preceding calendar year. If approval of an application filed by December 31 of any calendar year is not received by July 1 of the following calendar year, the application shall be considered denied. If an application is denied, the Department shall inform the county or municipality of the specific reasons for the denial.
    (f) Preference in Designation. In determining which designated areas shall be approved and certified as Enterprise Zones, the Department shall give preference to:
    (1) Areas with high levels of poverty, unemployment, job and population loss, and general distress; and
    (2) Areas which have evidenced with widest support from the county or municipality seeking to have such areas designated as Enterprise Zones, community residents, local business, labor and neighborhood organizations and where there are plans for the disposal of publicly owned real property as described in Section 10; and
    (3) Areas for which a specific plan has been submitted to effect economic growth and expansion and neighborhood revitalization for the benefit of Zone residents and existing business through efforts which may include but need not be limited to a reduction of tax rates or fees, an increase in the level and efficiency of local services, and a simplification or streamlining of governmental requirements applicable to employers or employees, taking into account the resources available to the county or municipality seeking to have an area designated as an Enterprise Zone to make such efforts; and
    (4) Areas for which there is evidence of prior consultation between the county or municipality seeking designation of an area as an Enterprise Zone and business, labor and neighborhood organizations within the proposed Zone;
    (5) Areas for which a specific plan has been submitted which will or may be expected to benefit zone residents and workers by increasing their ownership opportunities and participation in enterprise zone development;
    (6) Areas in which specific governmental functions are to be performed by designated neighborhood organizations in partnership with the county or municipality seeking designation of an area as an Enterprise Zone.
    (g) At least 2/5 of all new enterprise zones approved and certified by the Department during any calendar year shall be located wholly or partially within counties with unemployment rates of or above 8% for at least one month during the 12‑month calendar year preceding the calendar year in which the applications are to be considered and acted upon by the Department.
    (h) The Department's determination of whether to certify an enterprise zone shall be based on the purposes of this Act, the criteria set forth in Section 4 and subsections (f) and (g) of Section 5.2, and any additional criteria adopted by regulation of the Department under paragraph (d) of Section 4.
(Source: P.A. 85‑870.)

    (20 ILCS 655/5.3) (from Ch. 67 1/2, par. 608)
    Sec. 5.3. Certification of Enterprise Zones; Effective date.
    (a) Approval of designated Enterprise Zones shall be made by the Department by certification of the designating ordinance. The Department shall promptly issue a certificate for each Enterprise Zone upon its approval. The certificate shall be signed by the Director of the Department, shall make specific reference to the designating ordinance, which shall be attached thereto, and shall be filed in the office of the Secretary of State. A certified copy of the Enterprise Zone Certificate, or a duplicate original thereof, shall be recorded in the office of recorder of deeds of the county in which the Enterprise Zone lies.
    (b) An Enterprise Zone shall be effective upon its certification. The Department shall transmit a copy of the certification to the Department of Revenue, and to the designating municipality or county.
    Upon certification of an Enterprise Zone, the terms and provisions of the designating ordinance shall be in effect, and may not be amended or repealed except in accordance with Section 5.4.
    (c) An Enterprise Zone shall be in effect for 30 calendar years, or for a lesser number of years specified in the certified designating ordinance. Enterprise Zones shall terminate at midnight of December 31 of the final calendar year of the certified term, except as provided in Section 5.4.
    (d) No more than 12 Enterprise Zones may be certified by the Department in calendar year 1984, no more than 12 Enterprise Zones may be certified by the Department in calendar year 1985, no more than 13 Enterprise Zones may be certified by the Department in calendar year 1986, no more than 15 Enterprise Zones may be certified by the Department in calendar year 1987, and no more than 20 Enterprise Zones may be certified by the Department in calendar year 1990. In other calendar years, no more than 13 Enterprise Zones may be certified by the Department. The Department may also designate up to 8 additional Enterprise Zones outside the regular application cycle if warranted by the extreme economic circumstances as determined by the Department. The Department may also designate one additional Enterprise Zone outside the regular application cycle if an aircraft manufacturer agrees to locate an aircraft manufacturing facility in the proposed Enterprise Zone. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, no more than 89 Enterprise Zones may be certified by the Department for the 10 calendar years commencing with 1983. The 7 additional Enterprise Zones authorized by Public Act 86‑15 shall not lie within municipalities or unincorporated areas of counties that abut or are contiguous to Enterprise Zones certified pursuant to this Section prior to June 30, 1989. The 7 additional Enterprise Zones (excluding the additional Enterprise Zone which may be designated outside the regular application cycle) authorized by Public Act 86‑1030 shall not lie within municipalities or unincorporated areas of counties that abut or are contiguous to Enterprise Zones certified pursuant to this Section prior to February 28, 1990. Beginning in calendar year 2004 and until December 31, 2008, one additional enterprise zone may be certified by the Department. In any calendar year, the Department may not certify more than 3 Zones located within the same municipality. The Department may certify Enterprise Zones in each of the 10 calendar years commencing with 1983. The Department may not certify more than a total of 18 Enterprise Zones located within the same county (whether within municipalities or within unincorporated territory) for the 10 calendar years commencing with 1983. Thereafter, the Department may not certify any additional Enterprise Zones, but may amend and rescind certifications of existing Enterprise Zones in accordance with Section 5.4.
    (e) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if (i) the county board of any county in which a current military base is located, in part or in whole, or in which a military base that has been closed within 20 years of the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1998 is located, in part or in whole, adopts a designating ordinance in accordance with Section 5 of this Act to designate the military base in that county as an enterprise zone and (ii) the property otherwise meets the qualifications for an enterprise zone as prescribed in Section 4 of this Act, then the Department may certify the designating ordinance or ordinances, as the case may be.
(Source: P.A. 92‑16, eff. 6‑28‑01; 92‑777, eff. 1‑1‑03; 93‑436, eff. 1‑1‑04.)

    (20 ILCS 655/5.4) (from Ch. 67 1/2, par. 609)
    Sec. 5.4. Amendment and Decertification of Enterprise Zones.
    (a) The terms of a certified enterprise zone designating ordinance may be amended to
        (i) alter the boundaries of the Enterprise Zone, or
        (ii) expand, limit or repeal tax incentives or
    
benefits provided in the ordinance, or
        (iii) alter the termination date of the zone, or
        (iv) make technical corrections in the enterprise
    
zone designating ordinance; but such amendment shall not be effective unless the Department issues an amended certificate for the Enterprise Zone, approving the amended designating ordinance. Upon the adoption of any ordinance amending or repealing the terms of a certified enterprise zone designating ordinance, the municipality or county shall promptly file with the Department an application for approval thereof, containing substantially the same information as required for an application under Section 5.1 insofar as material to the proposed changes. The municipality or county must hold a public hearing on the proposed changes as specified in Section 5 and, if the amendment is to effectuate the limitation of tax abatements under Section 5.4.1, then the public notice of the hearing shall state that property that is in both the enterprise zone and a redevelopment project area may not receive tax abatements unless within 60 days after the adoption of the amendment to the designating ordinance the municipality has determined that eligibility for tax abatements has been established,
        (v) include an area within another municipality or
    
county as part of the designated enterprise zone provided the requirements of Section 4 are complied with, or
        (vi) effectuate the limitation of tax abatements
    
under Section 5.4.1.
    (b) The Department shall approve or disapprove a proposed amendment to a certified enterprise zone within 90 days of its receipt of the application from the municipality or county. The Department may not approve changes in a Zone which are not in conformity with this Act, as now or hereafter amended, or with other applicable laws. If the Department issues an amended certificate for an Enterprise Zone, the amended certificate, together with the amended zone designating ordinance, shall be filed, recorded and transmitted as provided in Section 5.3.
    (c) An Enterprise Zone may be decertified by joint action of the Department and the designating county or municipality in accordance with this Section. The designating county or municipality shall conduct at least one public hearing within the zone prior to its adoption of an ordinance of de‑designation. The mayor of the designating municipality or the chairman of the county board of the designating county shall execute a joint decertification agreement with the Department. A decertification of an Enterprise Zone shall not become effective until at least 6 months after the execution of the decertification agreement, which shall be filed in the office of the Secretary of State.
    (d) An Enterprise Zone may be decertified for cause by the Department in accordance with this Section. Prior to decertification: (1) the Department shall notify the chief elected official of the designating county or municipality in writing of the specific deficiencies which provide cause for decertification; (2) the Department shall place the designating county or municipality on probationary status for at least 6 months during which time corrective action may be achieved in the enterprise zone by the designating county or municipality; and, (3) the Department shall conduct at least one public hearing within the zone. If such corrective action is not achieved during the probationary period, the Department shall issue an amended certificate signed by the Director of the Department decertifying the enterprise zone, which certificate shall be filed in the office of the Secretary of State. A certified copy of the amended enterprise zone certificate, or a duplicate original thereof, shall be recorded in the office of recorder of the county in which the enterprise zone lies, and shall be provided to the chief elected official of the designating county or municipality. Decertification of an Enterprise Zone shall not become effective until 60 days after the date of filing.
    (e) In the event of a decertification, or an amendment reducing the length of the term or the area of an Enterprise Zone or the adoption of an ordinance reducing or eliminating tax benefits in an Enterprise Zone, all benefits previously extended within the Zone pursuant to this Act or pursuant to any other Illinois law providing benefits specifically to or within Enterprise Zones shall remain in effect for the original stated term of the Enterprise Zone, with respect to business enterprises within the Zone on the effective date of such decertification or amendment, and with respect to individuals participating in urban homestead programs under this Act.
    (f) Except as otherwise provided in Section 5.4.1, with respect to business enterprises (or expansions thereof) which are proposed or under development within a Zone at the time of a decertification or an amendment reducing the length of the term of the Zone, or excluding from the Zone area the site of the proposed enterprise, or an ordinance reducing or eliminating tax benefits in a Zone, such business enterprise shall be entitled to the benefits previously applicable within the Zone for the original stated term of the Zone, if the business enterprise establishes:
        (i) that the proposed business enterprise or
    
expansion has been committed to be located within the Zone;
        (ii) that substantial and binding financial
    
obligations have been made towards the development of such enterprise; and
        (iii) that such commitments have been made in
    
reasonable reliance on the benefits and programs which were to have been applicable to the enterprise by reason of the Zone, including in the case of a reduction in term of a zone, the original length of the term.
    In declaratory judgment actions under this paragraph, the Department and the designating municipality or county shall be necessary parties defendant.
(Source: P.A. 90‑258, eff. 7‑30‑97.)

    (20 ILCS 655/5.4.1)
    Sec. 5.4.1. Adoption of Tax Increment Financing.
    (a) If (i) a redevelopment project area is, will be, or has been created by a municipality under Division 74.4 of the Illinois Municipal Code, (ii) the redevelopment project area contains property that is located in an enterprise zone, (iii) the municipality adopts an amendment to the enterprise zone designating ordinance pursuant to Section 5.4 of this Act specifically concerning the abatement of taxes on property located within a redevelopment project area created pursuant to Division 74.4 of the Illinois Municipal Code, and (iv) the Department certifies the ordinance amendment, then the property that is located in both the enterprise zone and the redevelopment project area shall not be eligible for the abatement of taxes under Section 18‑170 of the Property Tax Code.
    No business enterprise or expansion or individual, however, that has constructed a new improvement or renovated or rehabilitated an existing improvement and has received an abatement on the improvement under Section 18‑170 of the Property Tax Code shall be denied any benefit previously extended within the zone pursuant to this Act or pursuant to any other Illinois law providing benefits specifically to or within enterprise zones. Moreover, if the business enterprise or individual presents evidence to the municipality within 30 days after the adoption by the municipality of an amendment to the designating ordinance the sufficiency of which shall be determined by findings of the corporate authorities made within 30 days of the receipt of such evidence by the municipality, that before the date of the notice of the public hearing provided by the municipality regarding the amendment to the designating ordinance (i) the business enterprise or expansion or individual was committed to locate within the enterprise zone, (ii) substantial and binding financial obligations were made towards the development of the enterprise, and (iii) those commitments were made in reasonable reliance on the benefits and programs that were applicable to the enterprise or individual by reason of the enterprise zone, then the enterprise or expansion or individual shall not be denied any benefit previously extended within the zone pursuant to this Act or pursuant to any other Illinois law providing benefits specifically to or within enterprise zones.
    (b) This Section applies to all property located within both a redevelopment project area adopted under Division 74.4 of the Illinois Municipal Code and an enterprise zone even if the redevelopment project area or the enterprise zone was adopted before the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1997.
    (c) After July 1, 1997, if (i) a redevelopment project area is created by a municipality under Division 74.4 of the Illinois Municipal Code and (ii) the redevelopment project area contains property that is located in an enterprise zone, the municipality must adopt an amendment to the certified enterprise zone designating ordinance under Section 5.4 that property that is located in both the enterprise zone and the redevelopment project area shall not be eligible for any abatement of taxes under Section 18‑170 of the Property Tax Code for new improvements or the renovation or rehabilitation of existing improvements.
    (d) In declaratory judgment actions under this Section, the Department and the designating municipality shall be necessary parties defendant.
(Source: P.A. 90‑258, eff. 7‑30‑97.)

    (20 ILCS 655/5.5) (from Ch. 67 1/2, par. 609.1)
    Sec. 5.5. High Impact Business.
    (a) In order to respond to unique opportunities to assist in the encouragement, development, growth and expansion of the private sector through large scale investment and development projects, the Department is authorized to receive and approve applications for the designation of "High Impact Businesses" in Illinois subject to the following conditions:
        (1) such applications may be submitted at any time
    
during the year;
        (2) such business is not located, at the time of
    
designation, in an enterprise zone designated pursuant to this Act;
        (3) the business intends to do one or more of the
    
following:
            (A) the business intends to make a minimum
        
investment of $12,000,000 which will be placed in service in qualified property and intends to create 500 full‑time equivalent jobs at a designated location in Illinois or intends to make a minimum investment of $30,000,000 which will be placed in service in qualified property and intends to retain 1,500 full‑time jobs at a designated location in Illinois. The business must certify in writing that the investments would not be placed in service in qualified property and the job creation or job retention would not occur without the tax credits and exemptions set forth in subsection (b) of this Section. The terms "placed in service" and "qualified property" have the same meanings as described in subsection (h) of Section 201 of the Illinois Income Tax Act; or
            (B) the business intends to establish a new
        
electric generating facility at a designated location in Illinois. "New electric generating facility", for purposes of this Section, means a newly‑constructed electric generation plant or a newly‑constructed generation capacity expansion at an existing electric generation plant, including the transmission lines and associated equipment that transfers electricity from points of supply to points of delivery, and for which such new foundation construction commenced not sooner than July 1, 2001. Such facility shall be designed to provide baseload electric generation and shall operate on a continuous basis throughout the year; and (i) shall have an aggregate rated generating capacity of at least 1,000 megawatts for all new units at one site if it uses natural gas as its primary fuel and foundation construction of the facility is commenced on or before December 31, 2004, or shall have an aggregate rated generating capacity of at least 400 megawatts for all new units at one site if it uses coal or gases derived from coal as its primary fuel and shall support the creation of at least 150 new Illinois coal mining jobs, or (ii) shall be funded through a federal Department of Energy grant before July 1, 2006 and shall support the creation of Illinois coal‑mining jobs, or (iii) shall use coal gasification or integrated gasification‑combined cycle units that generate electricity or chemicals, or both, and shall support the creation of Illinois coal‑mining jobs. The business must certify in writing that the investments necessary to establish a new electric generating facility would not be placed in service and the job creation in the case of a coal‑fueled plant would not occur without the tax credits and exemptions set forth in subsection (b‑5) of this Section. The term "placed in service" has the same meaning as described in subsection (h) of Section 201 of the Illinois Income Tax Act; or
            (B‑5) the business intends to establish a new
        
gasification facility at a designated location in Illinois. As used in this Section, "new gasification facility" means a newly constructed coal gasification facility that generates chemical feedstocks or transportation fuels derived from coal (which may include, but are not limited to, methane, methanol, and nitrogen fertilizer), that supports the creation or retention of Illinois coal‑mining jobs, and that qualifies for financial assistance from the Department before December 31, 2006. A new gasification facility does not include a pilot project located within Jefferson County or within a county adjacent to Jefferson County for synthetic natural gas from coal; or
            (C) the business intends to establish production
        
operations at a new coal mine, re‑establish production operations at a closed coal mine, or expand production at an existing coal mine at a designated location in Illinois not sooner than July 1, 2001; provided that the production operations result in the creation of 150 new Illinois coal mining jobs as described in subdivision (a)(3)(B) of this Section, and further provided that the coal extracted from such mine is utilized as the predominant source for a new electric generating facility. The business must certify in writing that the investments necessary to establish a new, expanded, or reopened coal mine would not be placed in service and the job creation would not occur without the tax credits and exemptions set forth in subsection (b‑5) of this Section. The term "placed in service" has the same meaning as described in subsection (h) of Section 201 of the Illinois Income Tax Act; or
            (D) the business intends to construct new
        
transmission facilities or upgrade existing transmission facilities at designated locations in Illinois, for which construction commenced not sooner than July 1, 2001. For the purposes of this Section, "transmission facilities" means transmission lines with a voltage rating of 115 kilovolts or above, including associated equipment, that transfer electricity from points of supply to points of delivery and that transmit a majority of the electricity generated by a new electric generating facility designated as a High Impact Business in accordance with this Section. The business must certify in writing that the investments necessary to construct new transmission facilities or upgrade existing transmission facilities would not be placed in service without the tax credits and exemptions set forth in subsection (b‑5) of this Section. The term "placed in service" has the same meaning as described in subsection (h) of Section 201 of the Illinois Income Tax Act; and
        (4) no later than 90 days after an application is
    
submitted, the Department shall notify the applicant of the Department's determination of the qualification of the proposed High Impact Business under this Section.
    (b) Businesses designated as High Impact Businesses pursuant to subdivision (a)(3)(A) of this Section shall qualify for the credits and exemptions described in the following Acts: Section 9‑222 and Section 9‑222.1A of the Public Utilities Act, subsection (h) of Section 201 of the Illinois Income Tax Act, and Section 1d of the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act; provided that these credits and exemptions described in these Acts shall not be authorized until the minimum investments set forth in subdivision (a)(3)(A) of this Section have been placed in service in qualified properties and, in the case of the exemptions described in the Public Utilities Act and Section 1d of the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act, the minimum full‑time equivalent jobs or full‑time jobs set forth in subdivision (a)(3)(A) of this Section have been created or retained. Businesses designated as High Impact Businesses under this Section shall also qualify for the exemption described in Section 5l of the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act. The credit provided in subsection (h) of Section 201 of the Illinois Income Tax Act shall be applicable to investments in qualified property as set forth in subdivision (a)(3)(A) of this Section.
    (b‑5) Businesses designated as High Impact Businesses pursuant to subdivisions (a)(3)(B), (a)(3)(B‑5), (a)(3)(C), and (a)(3)(D) of this Section shall qualify for the credits and exemptions described in the following Acts: Section 51 of the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act, Section 9‑222 and Section 9‑222.1A of the Public Utilities Act, and subsection (h) of Section 201 of the Illinois Income Tax Act; however, the credits and exemptions authorized under Section 9‑222 and Section 9‑222.1A of the Public Utilities Act, and subsection (h) of Section 201 of the Illinois Income Tax Act shall not be authorized until the new electric generating facility, the new gasification facility, the new transmission facility, or the new, expanded, or reopened coal mine is operational, except that a new electric generating facility whose primary fuel source is natural gas is eligible only for the exemption under Section 5l of the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act.
    (c) High Impact Businesses located in federally designated foreign trade zones or sub‑zones are also eligible for additional credits, exemptions and deductions as described in the following Acts: Section 9‑221 and Section 9‑222.1 of the Public Utilities Act; and subsection (g) of Section 201, and Section 203 of the Illinois Income Tax Act.
    (d) Existing Illinois businesses which apply for designation as a High Impact Business must provide the Department with the prospective plan for which 1,500 full‑time jobs would be eliminated in the event that the business is not designated.
    (e) New proposed facilities which apply for designation as High Impact Business must provide the Department with proof of alternative non‑Illinois sites which would receive the proposed investment and job creation in the event that the business is not designated as a High Impact Business.
    (f) In the event that a business is designated a High Impact Business and it is later determined after reasonable notice and an opportunity for a hearing as provided under the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act, that the business would have placed in service in qualified property the investments and created or retained the requisite number of jobs without the benefits of the High Impact Business designation, the Department shall be required to immediately revoke the designation and notify the Director of the Department of Revenue who shall begin proceedings to recover all wrongfully exempted State taxes with interest. The business shall also be ineligible for all State funded Department programs for a period of 10 years.
    (g) The Department shall revoke a High Impact Business designation if the participating business fails to comply with the terms and conditions of the designation.
    (h) Prior to designating a business, the Department shall provide the members of the General Assembly and Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability with a report setting forth the terms and conditions of the designation and guarantees that have been received by the Department in relation to the proposed business being designated.
(Source: P.A. 93‑1064, eff. 1‑13‑05; 93‑1067, eff. 1‑15‑05; 94‑65, eff. 6‑21‑05.)

    (20 ILCS 655/6) (from Ch. 67 1/2, par. 610)
    Sec. 6. Powers and Duties of Department.
    (A) General Powers. The Department shall administer this Act and shall have the following powers and duties:
        (1) To monitor the implementation of this Act and
    
submit reports evaluating the effectiveness of the program and any suggestions for legislation to the Governor and General Assembly by October 1 of every year preceding a regular Session of the General Assembly and to annually report to the General Assembly initial and current population, employment, per capita income, number of business establishments and dollar value of new construction and improvements for each Enterprise Zone.
        (2) To promulgate all necessary rules and
    
regulations to carry out the purposes of this Act in accordance with The Illinois Administrative Procedure Act.
        (3) To assist municipalities and counties in
    
obtaining Federal status as an Enterprise Zone.
    (B) Specific Duties:
        (1) The Department shall provide information and
    
appropriate assistance to persons desiring to locate and engage in business in an enterprise zone, to persons engaged in business in an enterprise zone and to designated zone organizations operating there.
        (2) The Department shall, in cooperation with
    
appropriate units of local government and State agencies, coordinate and streamline existing State business assistance programs and permit and license application procedures for Enterprise Zone businesses.
        (3) The Department shall publicize existing tax
    
incentives and economic development programs within the Zone and upon request, offer technical assistance in abatement and alternative revenue source development to local units of government which have enterprise Zones within their jurisdiction.
        (4) The Department shall work together with the
    
responsible State and Federal agencies to promote the coordination of other relevant programs, including but not limited to housing, community and economic development, small business, banking, financial assistance, and employment training programs which are carried on in an Enterprise Zone.
        (5) In order to stimulate employment opportunities
    
for Zone residents, the Department, in cooperation with the Department of Human Services and the Department of Employment Security, is to initiate a test of the following 2 programs within the 12 month period following designation and approval by the Department of the first enterprise zones: (i) the use of aid to families with dependent children benefits payable under Article IV of the Illinois Public Aid Code, General Assistance benefits payable under Article VI of the Illinois Public Aid Code, the unemployment insurance benefits payable under the Unemployment Insurance Act as training or employment subsidies leading to unsubsidized employment; and (ii) a program for voucher reimbursement of the cost of training zone residents eligible under the Targeted Jobs Tax Credit provisions of the Internal Revenue Code for employment in private industry. These programs shall not be designed to subsidize businesses, but are intended to open up job and training opportunities not otherwise available. Nothing in this paragraph (5) shall be deemed to require zone businesses to utilize these programs. These programs should be designed (i) for those individuals whose opportunities for job‑finding are minimal without program participation, (ii) to minimize the period of benefit collection by such individuals, and (iii) to accelerate the transition of those individuals to unsubsidized employment. The Department is to seek agreement with business, organized labor and the appropriate State Department and agencies on the design, operation and evaluation of the test programs.
    A report with recommendations including representative comments of these groups shall be submitted by the Department to the county or municipality which designated the area as an Enterprise Zone, Governor and General Assembly not later than 12 months after such test programs have commenced, or not later than 3 months following the termination of such test programs, whichever first occurs.
(Source: P.A. 89‑507, eff. 7‑1‑97.)

    (20 ILCS 655/7) (from Ch. 67 1/2, par. 611)
    Sec. 7. State Incentives Regarding Public Services and Physical Infrastructure.
    (a) This Act does not restrict tax incentive financing pursuant to the "Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act".
    (b) Industrial development bonds. Priority in the use of industrial development bonds issued by the Illinois Finance Authority shall be given to businesses located in an Enterprise Zone.
    (c) Deposit of State funds by the State Treasurer. The State Treasurer is authorized and encouraged to place deposits of State funds with financial institutions doing business in an Enterprise Zone.
(Source: P.A. 93‑205, eff. 1‑1‑04.)

    (20 ILCS 655/8) (from Ch. 67 1/2, par. 612)
    Sec. 8. Zone Administration. The administration of an Enterprise Zone shall be under the jurisdiction of the designating municipality or county. Each designating municipality or county shall, by ordinance, designate a Zone Administrator for the certified zones within its jurisdiction. A Zone Administrator must be an officer or employee of the municipality or county. The Zone Administrator shall be the liaison between the designating municipality or county, the Department, and any designated zone organizations within zones under his jurisdiction.
    A designating municipality or county may designate one or more organizations qualified under paragraph (d) of Section 3 to be designated zone organizations for purposes of this Act. The municipality or county, may, by ordinance, delegate functions within an Enterprise Zone to one or more designated zone organizations in such zones.
    Subject to the necessary governmental authorizations, designated zone organizations may provide the following services or perform the following functions in coordination with the municipality or county:
    (a) Provide or contract for provision of public services including, but not limited to:
        (1) establishment of crime watch patrols within zone
    
neighborhoods;
        (2) establishment of volunteer day care centers;
        (3) organization of recreational activities for zone
    
area youth;
        (4) garbage collection;
        (5) street maintenance and improvements;
        (6) bridge maintenance and improvements;
        (7) maintenance and improvement of water and sewer
    
lines;
        (8) energy conservation projects;
        (9) health and clinic services;
        (10) drug abuse programs;
        (11) senior citizen assistance programs;
        (12) park maintenance;
        (13) rehabilitation, renovation, and operation and
    
maintenance of low and moderate income housing; and
        (14) other types of public services as provided by
    
law or regulation.
    (b) Exercise authority for the enforcement of any code, permit, or licensing procedure within an Enterprise Zone.
    (c) Provide a forum for business, labor and government action on zone innovations.
    (d) Apply for regulatory relief as provided in Section 8 of this Act.
    (e) Receive title to publicly owned land.
    (f) Perform such other functions as the responsible government entity may deem appropriate, including offerings and contracts for insurance with businesses within the Zone.
    (g) Agree with local governments to provide such public services within the zones by contracting with private firms and organizations, where feasible and prudent.
    (h) Solicit and receive contributions to improve the quality of life in the Enterprise Zone.
(Source: P.A. 91‑357, eff. 7‑29‑99.)

    (20 ILCS 655/9) (from Ch. 67 1/2, par. 613)
    Sec. 9. State Regulatory Exemptions In Enterprise Zones. (a) The Department shall conduct an ongoing review of such agency rules and regulations that may be identified by the department or representatives of designating municipalities and counties as business enterprises and preliminarily appearing to the Department to:
    (i) affect the conduct of business, industry and commerce;
    (ii) impose excessive costs on either the creation or conduct of such enterprises; and
    (iii) inhibit the development and expansions of enterprises within Enterprise Zones.
    The Department shall conduct hearings, pursuant to public notice, to solicit public comment on such identified rules and regulations as part of this review process.
    (b) No later than August 1 of each calendar year, the Department shall publish in the Illinois Register a list of such rules and regulations identified pursuant to paragraph (a). The Department shall transmit a copy of the list to each agency which has promulgated rules or regulations on the list.
    (c) Within 90 days of the publication of the list by the Department, each agency which promulgated rules or regulations identified therein shall file a written report with the Department detailing for each identified rule or regulation:
    (i) the need or justification;
    (ii) whether the rule or regulation is mandated by state or federal law, or is discretionary, and to what extent;
    (iii) a synopsis of the history of the rule, including any internal agency review after its original promulgation; and
    (iv) any appropriate explanation of its relationship to other regulatory requirements.
    The promulgating agency shall also include any available data, analysis and studies concerning the economic impact of the identified rules and regulations. The agency responses shall be public records.
    (d) No later than January 1 of the following calendar year, the Department shall file proposed rules exempting business enterprises within Enterprise Zones from those agency rules and regulations contained in the published list, for which the Department finds that the job creation or business development incentives for Enterprise Zone development engendered by the exemption outweigh the need and justification for the rule or regulation. In making its findings, the Department shall consider all information, data, and opinions submitted to it by the public, as well as by promulgating agencies, as well as information otherwise available to it.
    (e) The proposed rules and regulations promulgated by the Department shall be in the form of amendments to the existing rules and regulations to be affected, and shall be subject to the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act.
    (f) Upon its effective date, any exempting rule or regulation of the Department shall supersede the exempted agency rule or regulation in accordance with the terms of the exemption. Such exemptions may apply only to business enterprises within Enterprise Zones during the effective term of the respective Zones. Agencies may not promulgate emergency rules to circumvent an exemption effected by a Department exemption rule; any such emergency rules shall not be effective within Enterprise Zones to the extent inconsistent with the terms of such an exemption.
(Source: P.A. 83‑1114.)

    (20 ILCS 655/9.1) (from Ch. 67 1/2, par. 614)
    Sec. 9.1. State and Local Regulatory Alternatives. (a) Agencies may provide in their rules and regulations for
    (i) the exemption of business enterprises within Enterprise Zones or,
    (ii) modifications or alternatives specifically applicable to business enterprises within Enterprise Zones, which impose less stringent standards or alternative standards for compliance (including performance‑based standards as a substitute for specific mandates of methods, procedures or equipment).
    Such exemptions, modifications or alternatives shall be effected by rule or regulation promulgated in accordance with the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. The Agency promulgating such exemptions, modifications or alternatives shall file with its proposed rule or regulation its findings that the proposed rule or regulation provides economic incentives within Enterprise Zones which promote the purposes of this Act, and which, to the extent they include any exemptions or reductions in regulatory standards or requirements, outweigh the need or justification for the existing rule or regulation.
    (b) If any agency promulgates a rule or regulation pursuant to paragraph (a) affecting a rule or regulation contained on the list published by the Department pursuant to Section 9, prior to the completion of the rule making process for the Department's rules under that Section, the agency shall immediately transmit a copy of its proposed rule or regulation to the Department, together with a statement of reasons as to why the Department should defer to the agency's proposed rule or regulation. Agency rules promulgated under paragraph (a) shall, however, be subject to the exemption rules and regulations of the Department promulgated under Section 9.
    (c) Within Enterprise Zones, the designating county or municipality may modify all local ordinances and regulations regarding (1) zoning; (2) licensing; (3) building codes, excluding however, any regulations treating building defects; (4) rent control and price controls (except for the minimum wage). Notwithstanding any shorter statute of limitation to the contrary, actions against any contractor or architect who designs, constructs or rehabilitates a building or structure in an Enterprise Zone in accordance with local standards specifically applicable within Zones which have been relaxed may be commenced within 10 years from the time of beneficial occupancy of the building or use of the structure.
(Source: P.A. 82‑1019.)

    (20 ILCS 655/9.2) (from Ch. 67 1/2, par. 615)
    Sec. 9.2. Exemptions from Regulatory Relaxation. (a) Section 9 and subsection (a) of Section 9.1 do not apply to rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to:
    (i) the "Environmental Protection Act";
    (ii) the "Illinois Historic Preservation Act";
    (iii) the "Illinois Human Rights Act";
    (iv) any successor acts to any of the foregoing; or
    (v) any other acts whose purpose is the protection of the environment, the preservation of historic places and landmarks, or the protection of persons against discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin or handicap.
    (b) No exemption, modification or alternative to any agency rule or regulation promulgated under Section 9 or 9.1 shall be effective which
    (i) presents a significant risk to the health or safety of persons resident in or employed within an Enterprise Zone;
    (ii) would conflict with federal law or regulation such that the state, or any unit of local government or school district, or any area of the state other than Enterprise Zones, or any business enterprise located outside of an Enterprise Zone would be disqualified from a federal program or from federal tax or other benefits;
    (iii) would suspend or modify an agency rule or regulation mandated by law; or
    (iv) would eliminate or reduce benefits to individuals who are residents of or employed within a Zone.
(Source: P.A. 82‑1019.)

    (20 ILCS 655/10) (from Ch. 67 1/2, par. 616)
    Sec. 10. Sale of Publicly‑Owned Real Property in an Enterprise Zone.
    Once an area becomes an Enterprise Zone, pursuant to provisions contained in the Enterprise Zone agreement, the State and any county or municipality that owns any unused structures or vacant land within the Enterprise Zone may dispose of such structure or vacant land in one of the following ways:
    (A) sell such structures or vacant land at public auction or by other methods available to dispose of such property; or
    (B) establish an urban homestead program that provides:
    (1) that the State or county or municipality will sell an individual a residence or portion thereof it owns for a sum not to exceed $100.
    (2) that the individual agrees to live in the residence for a period of seven years.
    (3) that the individual agrees to renovate or remodel the property to meet the level of maintenance stated in the agreement between the individual and the State or county or municipality.
    (4) that the State, county or municipality shall assign the property to the individual at the end of the seven year residency requirement when satisfactory improvements to the property have been made; or
    (C) establish an urban shopstead program that provides:
    (1) that the State or county or municipality will sell to a designated Zone organization a structure or portion thereof it owns for a sum not to exceed $100.
    (2) that the designated Zone organization agrees to renovate or remodel the property to meet the level of maintenance stated in the agreement between the individual and the State or county or municipality.
    (3) that the State, county or municipality shall assign the property to the designated Zone organization when satisfactory improvements to the property have been made.
    (4) that the designated Zone organization may sell or lease such structure to commercial or industrial businesses pursuant to procedures which shall be contracted in the agreement between the Zone organization and the State or county or municipality. The Zone organization may also retain such structure in whole or part for its own use. Any proceeds derived from the use, lease, or sale of such property shall be used for cost recovery and for activities entered into pursuant to Section 8 of this Act, as agreed to between the State, County, or Municipality and the designated Zone organization.
    Such disposal of real property by the methods described above shall give preference to a proposed enterprise zone in the selection process by the Department as set forth in Section 4.
(Source: P.A. 82‑1019.)

    (20 ILCS 655/11) (from Ch. 67 1/2, par. 617)
    Sec. 11. (a) A business entity may receive a deduction against income subject to state taxes for a contribution to a designated zone organization if the project for which the contribution is made has been specifically approved by the designating municipality or county, and by the Department.
    (b) Any designated zone organization seeking to have a project approved for contribution must submit an application to the Department describing the nature and benefit of the project and its potential contributors.
    The application must address how the following criteria will be met:
    (1) The project must contribute to the self help efforts of the residents of the area involved.
    (2) The project must involve the residents of the area in planning and implement the project.
    (3) The project's lack of sufficient resources.
    (4) The designated zone organization must be fiscally responsible for the project.
    (c) The project must enhance the Enterprise Zone in one of the following ways:
    (1) by creating permanent jobs;
    (2) by physically improving the housing stock;
    (3) stimulating neighborhood business activity; or
    (4) by preventing crime.
    (d) If the designated zone organization demonstrates its ability to meet the criteria in subsection (b), and will enhance the neighborhood in one of the ways listed in subsection (c), the Department shall approve the organization's proposed projects and specify the amount of contributions it is eligible to receive for such project. Comments from state elected officials, and county and municipal officials in which all or part of the Enterprise Zone are located, or in which the project is proposed to be located, shall be solicited by the Department in making such decision.
    (e) Within 45 days of the receipt of an application, the Department shall give notice to the applicant as to whether the application has been approved or disapproved. If the Department disapproves the application, it shall specify the reasons for this decision and allow 60 days for the applicant to amend and resubmit its application. The Department shall provide assistance upon request to applicants. Resubmitted applications shall receive the Department's approval or disapproval within 30 days of submission. Those resubmitted applications satisfying initial Department objectives shall be approved unless reasonable circumstances warrant disapproval.
    (f) On an annual basis, the designated zone organization shall furnish a statement to the Department on the programmatic and financial status of any approved project and an audited financial statement of the project.
    (g) For any project which is approved and for which there is a specified amount of contributions which the designated Zone Organization may receive for such project as provided in subsection (d) of this Section, the designated Zone Organization shall provide to the Department any information necessary to determine the eligibility of a contribution to the project for a deduction pursuant to subsection (b)(2)(N) of Section 203 of the "Illinois Income Tax Act". The Department shall certify to the Department of Revenue the taxpayers eligible for and the amounts of contributions which those taxpayers may claim as a deduction pursuant to subsection (b)(2)(N) of Section 203 of the "Illinois Income Tax Act". The total of all actual contributions approved by the Department for deductions pursuant to subsection (b)(2)(N) of Section 203 of the "Illinois Income Tax Act" shall not exceed $15,400,000 in any one calendar year.
(Source: P.A. 83‑1539.)

    (20 ILCS 655/11.1) (from Ch. 67 1/2, par. 617.1)
    Sec. 11.1. Any business located within the Enterprise Zone which has received tax credits or exemptions, regulatory relief or any other benefits under this Act shall notify the Department and the county and municipal officials in which the Enterprise Zone is located within 60 days of the cessation of any business operations conducted within the Enterprise Zone. The Department shall promulgate rules to effect this Section.
(Source: P.A. 87‑981.)

    (20 ILCS 655/12‑1) (from Ch. 67 1/2, par. 618)
    Sec. 12‑1. Sections 12‑1 through 12‑10 of this Act shall be known and may be cited as the "Enterprise Zone Loan Act".
(Source: P.A. 84‑165.)

    (20 ILCS 655/12‑2) (from Ch. 67 1/2, par. 619)
    Sec. 12‑2. Definitions. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise:
    (a) "Financial institution" means a trust company, a bank, a savings bank, a credit union, an investment bank, a broker, an investment trust, a pension fund, a building and loan association, a savings and loan association, an insurance company or any venture capital company which is authorized to do business in the State.
    (b) "Participating lender" means any trust company, bank, savings bank, credit union, investment bank, broker, investment trust, pension fund, building and loan association, savings and loan association, insurance company or venture capital company approved by the Department which assumes a portion of the financing for a business project.
    (c) "Department" means the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
    (d) "Business" means a for‑profit, legal entity located in an Illinois Enterprise Zone including, but not limited to, any sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, joint venture, association or cooperative.
    (e) "Loan" means an agreement or contract to provide a loan or other financial aid to a business.
    (f) "Project" means any specific economic development activity of a commercial, industrial, manufacturing, agricultural, scientific, service or other business in an Enterprise Zone, the result of which yields an increase in jobs and may include the purchase or lease of machinery and equipment, the lease or purchase of real property or funds for infrastructure necessitated by site preparation, building construction or related purposes but does not include refinancing current debt.
    (g) "Fund" means the Enterprise Zone Loan Fund created in Section 12‑6.
(Source: P.A. 94‑793, eff. 5‑19‑06.)

    (20 ILCS 655/12‑3) (from Ch. 67 1/2, par. 620)
    Sec. 12‑3. Powers and Duties. The Department has the power to:
    (a) Provide loans from the funds appropriated to a business undertaking a project and accept mortgages or other evidences of indebtedness or security of such business.
    (b) Enter into agreements, accept funds or grants and cooperate with agencies of the federal government, local units of government and local regional economic development corporations or organizations for the purposes of carrying out this Act.
    (c) Enter into contracts, letters of credit or any other agreements or contracts with financial institutions necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes of this Act. Any such agreement or contract may include, without limitation, terms and provisions relating to a specific project such as loan documentation, review and approval procedures, organization and servicing rights, default conditions and other program aspects.
    (d) Fix, determine, charge and collect any premiums, fees, charges, costs and expenses, including application fees, commitment fees, program fees, financing charges or publication fees in connection with its activities under this Act.
    (e) Establish application, notification, contract and other procedures, rules or regulations deemed necessary and appropriate.
    (f) Subject to the provisions of any contract with another person and consent to the modification or restructuring of any loan agreement to which the Department is a party.
    (g) Take any actions which are necessary or appropriate to protect the State's interest in the event of bankruptcy, default, foreclosure or noncompliance with the terms and conditions of financial assistance or participation provided under this Act, including the power to sell, dispose, lease or rent, upon terms and conditions determined by the Director to be appropriate, real or personal property which the Department may receive as a result thereof.
    (h) Acquire and accept by gift, grant, purchase or otherwise, but not by condemnation, fee simple title, or such lesser interest as may be desired, in land, and to improve or arrange for the improvement of such land for industrial or commercial site development purposes, and to lease or convey such land, or interest in land, so acquired and so improved, including sale and conveyance subject to a mortgage, for such price, upon such terms and at such time as the Department may determine, provided that prior to exercising its authority under this subsection, the Director shall find that other means of financing and developing any such project are not reasonably available and that such action is consistent with the purposes and policies of this Act.
    (i) Exercise such other powers as are necessary or incidental to the foregoing.
(Source: P.A. 84‑165.)

    (20 ILCS 655/12‑4) (from Ch. 67 1/2, par. 621)
    Sec. 12‑4. Loans. Any loan made under this Act shall:
    (a) Be made only if a participating lender, or other funding source including the applicant, also provides a portion of the financing with respect to the project, and only if the Department determines, on the basis of all the information available to it, that the project would not be undertaken in Illinois unless the loan is provided. Such other risk assumption may be in the form of a loan, letter of credit, guarantee, loan participation, bond purchase, direct cash payment or other form approved by the Department.
    (b) Finance no more than 25% of the total amount of any single project and be approved for amounts from the Fund not to exceed $2,000,000 for any single project, unless waived by the Director upon a finding that such waiver is appropriate to accomplish the purposes of this Act.
    (c) Be protected by adequate security satisfactory to the Department to secure payment of the loan agreement.
    (d) Be in such principal amount and form and contain such terms and provisions with respect to property insurance, repairs, alterations, payment of taxes and assessments, delinquency charges, default remedies, additional security and other matters as the Department shall determine adequate to protect the public interest.
    (e) Include provisions to call the loan agreement as due and payable if the project is not completed, if the project fails to generate anticipated employment opportunities or if the business ceases to operate the project.
    (f) Be made only after the Department has determined that the loan will cause a project to be undertaken which has the potential to create substantial employment in relation to the principal amount of the loan.
    (g) Be made with a business that has certified the project is a new plant start‑up or expansion and is not a relocation of an existing business from another site in Illinois unless that relocation results in substantial employment growth.
(Source: P.A. 84‑165.)

    (20 ILCS 655/12‑5) (from Ch. 67 1/2, par. 622)
    Sec. 12‑5. Loan Applications. Applications for loans shall be submitted to the Department on forms and subject to filing fees prescribed by the Department. The Department shall not be prohibited from soliciting such applications. The Department shall conduct such investigation and obtain such information concerning the business as is necessary and diligent to complete a loan agreement. The Department's investigation shall include facts about the company's history, job opportunities, stability of employment, past and present condition and structure, actual and pro‑forma income statements, present and future market prospects and management qualifications and any other aspects material to the financing request.
    After consideration of such data and after such other action as is deemed appropriate, the Department shall approve or deny the application. If the Department approves the application, its approval shall specify the amount of funds to be provided and the loan agreement provisions. The business shall be promptly notified of such action by the Department.
(Source: P.A. 84‑165.)

    (20 ILCS 655/12‑6) (from Ch. 67 1/2, par. 623)
    Sec. 12‑6. Enterprise Zone Loan Fund. (a) There is hereby created the Enterprise Zone Loan Fund to be held as part of the State Treasury. The Department is authorized to make loans from the Fund for the purposes established under this Act. The State Treasurer shall have custody of the Fund and may invest in securities constituting direct obligations of the United States Government, or in obligations the principal of and interest on which are guaranteed by the United States Government, or in certificates of deposit of any State or national bank which are fully secured by obligations guaranteed as to principal and interest by the United States Government. The purpose of the Fund is to offer loans to finance firms considering the location of a proposed plant in a certified Enterprise Zone and to provide financing to carry out the purposes and provisions of paragraph (h) of Section 12‑3 of this Act. Such financing shall be in the form of a loan, mortgage or other debt instrument. All loans shall be conditioned on the project receiving financing from participating lenders or other sources. Loan proceeds shall be available for project costs associated with an expansion of business capacity and employment, except for debt refinancing. Targeted companies for the program shall primarily consist of established industrial and service companies with proven records of earnings which will sell their product to markets beyond Illinois and which have proven multistate location options. New ventures shall be considered only if the entity is protected with adequate security with regard to its financing and operation. The limitations and conditions with respect to the use of this Fund shall not apply in carrying out the purposes and provisions of paragraph (h) of Section 12‑3 of this Act.
    (b) Deposits in the Fund shall include, but are not limited to:
    (1) All receipts, including principal and interest payments, royalties or other payments, from any loan made by the Department under this Act.
    (2) All proceeds of assets of whatever nature received by the Department as a result of default and delinquency with respect to loans made under this Act, including proceeds from the sale, disposal, lease or rental of real or personal property which the Department may receive as a result thereof.
    (3) Any appropriations, grants or gifts made to the Fund.
    (4) Any income received from interest on investments of amounts from the Fund not currently needed to meet the obligations of the Fund.
(Source: P.A. 84‑165.)

    (20 ILCS 655/12‑7) (from Ch. 67 1/2, par. 624)
    Sec. 12‑7. Construction. Nothing in this Act shall be construed as creating any rights of a competitor of an approved borrower or any applicant whose application is denied by the Department to challenge any application which is accepted by the Department and any loan or other agreement executed in connection therewith.
(Source: P.A. 84‑165.)

    (20 ILCS 655/12‑8) (from Ch. 67 1/2, par. 625)
    Sec. 12‑8. Confidentiality. Any documentary materials or data made or received by any member, agent or employee of the Department shall be deemed to be confidential and shall not be deemed public records to the extent that such materials or data consist of trade secrets, commercial or financial information regarding the operation of any business conducted by an applicant for or recipient of any form of assistance under this Act or information regarding the competitive position of such business in a particular field of endeavor.
(Source: P.A. 84‑165.)

    (20 ILCS 655/12‑9) (from Ch. 67 1/2, par. 626)
    Sec. 12‑9. Report. On January l of each year, the Department shall report on its operation of the Fund for the preceding fiscal year to the Governor and the General Assembly.
(Source: P.A. 84‑165.)

    (20 ILCS 655/12‑10) (from Ch. 67 1/2, par. 627)
    Sec. 12‑10. Federal Programs. The Department is authorized to accept and expend federal monies pursuant to this Act except that terms and conditions hereunder which are inconsistent with or prohibited by the federal authorization under which such monies are made available shall not apply with respect to the expenditure of such monies.
(Source: P.A. 84‑165.)