LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS; PURPOSES

(a) The legislature finds that: (1) the closure of certain defense bases has had a negative impact on the economic development of the areas within the former defense bases and the areas in the general vicinity of the former defense bases and that the creation of the specific type of authority provided for in this subchapter is essential to accomplish the purposes of Sections 52 and 52-a, Article III, and Section 59, Article XVI, Texas Constitution; (2) it is an appropriate role for a municipality to foster economic opportunity, job generation, and capital investment by promoting a favorable business climate, preparing the workforce for productive employment, and supporting infrastructure development in areas around defense bases that are intended to be annexed by the municipality; and (3) the programs designed to create a competent and qualified workforce are essential both to the economic growth and vitality of many municipalities in this state and to the elimination of unemployment and underemployment in those municipalities. (b) The programs authorized by this subchapter are in the public interest, promote the economic welfare of this state, and serve the public purpose of developing and diversifying the economy of this state and of eliminating unemployment and underemployment in this state.