establishment of regions

establishment of regions Sec. 501. The Secretary is authorized to designate appropriate “economic development regions” within the United States with the concurrence of the States in which such regions will be wholly or partially located if he finds (A) that there is a relationship between the areas within such region geographically, culturally, historically, and economically, (B) that with the exception of Alaska and Hawaii, the region is within contiguous States, and (C) upon consideration of the following matters, among others, that the region has lagged behind the whole Nation in economic development: (1) the rate of unemployment is substantially above the national rate; (2) the median level of family income is significantly below the national median; (3) the level of housing, health, and educational facilities is substantially below the national level; (4) the economy of the area has traditionally been dominated by only one or two industries, which are in a state of long-term decline; (5) the rate of outmigration of labor or capital or both is substantial; (6) the area is adversely affected by changing industrial technology; (7) the area is adversely affected by changes in national defense facilities or production; and (8) indices of regional production indicate a growth rate substantially below the national average.