Subchapter I. General Provisions

TITLE 29

State Government

State Agencies and Offices Not Created by Constitution

CHAPTER 50. STATE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Subchapter I. General Provisions

§ 5001. Legislative findings.

(a) The General Assembly finds and declares that the good order of the State depends upon the steady employment in useful
occupations of the citizens of the State. Such steady and useful employment can be made available by encouraging the economic
development of the State through the inducement of a full range of commercial, industrial, agricultural and other enterprises
to locate, remain and expand in the State. Uncontrolled industrialization and expansion, however, may contribute to possible
dangers to the public health and welfare through the pollution of the air, water and soil of the State. The reduction, abatement
and prevention of the pollution of the state's environment and the protection of its natural resources are important concerns
to be considered in the process of encouraging the economic development of the State.

(b) The General Assembly further finds that promotion of the State as a destination for tourists and other travelers will
help to enhance the state's economy and provide employment and recreational opportunities for citizens of the State.

(c) The General Assembly further finds that promotion and assistance to small and minority-owned businesses is vital to the
overall balance between large and small firms, and that it is in the state's interest to insure a strong and diversified business
community.

(d) The General Assembly further finds and declares that the creation of an office for economic development with powers and
duties as specified by this chapter can best accomplish the orderly development of the State while insuring that the protection
and enhancement of its resources and environment will continue to be a critical concern.

63 Del. Laws, c. 189, § 2.;

§ 5002. Definitions.

(a) "Board" means the Tourism Advisory Board created by this chapter.

(b) "Council" means the Council on Development Finance created by this chapter.

(d) "Office" means the Delaware Economic Development Office.

(e) "State" means the State of Delaware.

63 Del. Laws, c. 189, § 2; 69 Del. Laws, c. 458, § 1.;

§ 5003. Delaware Economic Development Office -- Created; purposes.

(a) There is hereby created an office of economic development which shall be known as the Delaware Economic Development Office.

(b) The Office shall be in the Executive Department responsible to the Governor.

(c) The Office shall serve as the Governor's staff agency in all general and economic development matters, and it shall function,
as required, as an advisory, coordinating or implementing agency:

(1) To harmonize its activities with similar activities of other departments, boards, commissions, agencies or instrumentalities
of federal, state, county or municipal government;

(2) To render, as necessary, assistance to all units of government and to private enterprise;

(3) To stimulate public interest and participation in the orderly growth and development of the State; and

(4) To insure that all private and public development activities are carried out in conformity with state law.

63 Del. Laws, c. 189, § 2; 69 Del. Laws, c. 458, § 1.;

§ 5004. Delaware Economic Development Office -- Appointment, qualifications and compensation of Director; Acting Director.

(a) The Office shall be headed by the Director. The Director shall be appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent
of the Senate, and shall serve at the Governor's pleasure. The Director shall be qualified by training and experience to perform
the duties of the position, and preference shall be given to a resident of this State, provided the resident is acceptable
and equally qualified. The Director shall be paid an annual salary established by the Governor within the limitation of the
funds appropriated therefor.

(b) In the event of the death, resignation, temporary incapacity or removal of the Director, and prior to the appointment
of a successor, the Governor may appoint any qualified employee of the Office or any of its subdivisions to serve as Acting
Director. The Director may, during an absence from the State, appoint any qualified employee of the Office or any of its subdivisions
to serve as Acting Director during such absence. In either case, the Acting Director shall have all the powers and shall perform
all the duties and functions of the Director during the Director's absence or incapacity or until a successor is duly appointed
and qualified.

63 Del. Laws, c. 189, § 2; 70 Del. Laws, c. 186, § 1.;

§ 5005. Delaware Economic Development Office -- Powers, duties and functions of Director.

The Director shall have the following powers, duties and functions:

(1) To supervise, direct and account for the administration and operation of the Office, its subdivisions, offices, functions
and employees.

(2) To serve as Chairperson of the Delaware Economic Development Authority and to supervise the administration of the Authority
and to perform all duties heretofore vested in the Secretary of the Department of Community Affairs and Economic Development
as shall be related to the Authority.

(3) To appoint and remove the staff of the Office in accordance with this chapter and such other limitations as may be imposed
by law.

(4) To advise the Governor and other officials of the state government on all matters of economic development and to consult
with them on matters of economic development affecting the duties and responsibilities of their offices.

(5) To have access (or to designate staff members who shall have access) to information, reports and data which relate to
economic development which are in the possession of departments, boards, commissions, agencies or instrumentalities of the
State or in the possession of county, municipal or other local agencies and instrumentalities.

(6) To hold hearings on matters of general economic development or such other matters as may be required by law after notice
thereof to interested parties.

(7) To attend and participate in meetings of federal, county or municipal economic development bodies, interstate agencies
and other entities, whether public or private. The Director may cooperate with such instrumentalities in matters affecting
the duties and responsibilities of the Office.

(8) To establish, consolidate or abolish such subdivisions within the Office or transfer or combine the powers, duties and
functions of the subdivisions within the Office as the Director may deem necessary, provided that all powers, duties and functions
required by law shall be provided for and maintained.

(9) To make and enter into any and all contracts, agreements or stipulations, to retain, employ and contract for the services
of private and public consultants, professional, research and technical personnel, including the temporary exchange of personnel
from all public or private entities, and to procure by contract consulting, research, professional, technical and other services,
whenever they shall be deemed by the Director necessary or desirable in the performance of the functions of the Office and
whenever funds shall be available for such purpose. Legal services shall be procured pursuant to Chapter 25 of this title.

(10) To delegate any of the Director's powers, duties or functions to a member of the staff authorized by this subchapter,
except the power to remove employees of the Office or to fix their compensation.

(11) To establish and promulgate such rules and regulations governing the administration and operation of the Office as may
be deemed necessary by the Director and which are not inconsistent with the laws of this State.

(12) To occupy and/or maintain such facilities as may be required for the effective and efficient operation of the Office.

(13) To adopt an official seal or seals for the Office.

(14) To exercise all other powers necessary and proper for the discharge of the Director's duties and such other powers as
may be delegated by the Governor, not inconsistent with state law.

(15) [Deleted.]

63 Del. Laws, c. 189, § 2; 66 Del. Laws, c. 190, § 2; 70 Del. Laws, c. 186, § 1; 71 Del. Laws, c. 357, § 2.;

§ 5006. Delaware Economic Development Office -- Powers and duties.

The Office shall:

(1) Be responsible for attracting new investors and businesses to the State, promoting the expansion of existing industry,
assisting small and minority-owned businesses, promoting and developing tourism and creating new and improved employment opportunities
for all citizens of the State at every economic level, provided that such development is carried out with a view to preserving
existing agriculture, commercial, industrial and recreational opportunities to be had within the State and conserving the
natural resources and wildlife of the State.

(2) Act as the Governor's principal staff agency in economic development matters; make studies and investigations, insofar
as they may be relevant to the state's economy, of the resources of the State and of existing and emerging problems of agriculture,
industry, commerce, transportation and other matters affecting the development of the State and, in making such studies, seek
the cooperation and collaboration of the appropriate departments, boards, commissions, agencies and instrumentalities of federal,
state and local government, educational institutions and research organizations, whether public or private, and of civic groups
and private persons and organizations; render advice and act as the Governor's designated agency in the execution of such
matters relating to its powers as the Governor may request.

(3) Provide information to, and cooperate with, the General Assembly or any of its committees in connection with studies relevant
to the overall development of the state's economy.

(4) Cooperate with, and within the limitations of its appropriations, provide requested assistance to county or local governments
in the State, or any of their instrumentalities; and cooperate with and assist departments and other agencies or instrumentalities
of federal, state and local government, as well as regional, metropolitan, county, municipal or other local or private agencies
in the execution of their functions with a view to harmonizing their development activities with the overall development plans
and policies of the State. Whenever cooperation or assistance under this subdivision includes the rendering of technical services,
such services may be rendered free or in accordance with an agreement for reimbursement.

(5) Provide information to officials of departments, boards, commissions, agencies and instrumentalities of state and local
government, to civic and other groups, and to the public at large in order to foster public awareness and understanding of
the objectives of a strong state economy and to stimulate public interest and participation in the orderly and integrated
development of the State.

(6) Accept and receive, in furtherance of its function, funds, grants and services from the federal government or its agencies,
from departments, agencies and instrumentalities of state or local government or from private and civic sources.

(7) Collect, compile and audit the information and data necessary to discharge its principal functions. Where such data cannot
be secured from federal, state or local agencies or private organizations, the Office may engage in the required research.
Before publishing any historical information, the information shall be reviewed and approved by the Department of State of
the State.

(8) Perform and be responsible for the performance of all powers, duties and functions heretofore vested in the Division of
Economic Development of the Department of Community Affairs and Economic Development immediately prior to November 1, 1981.

(9) Exercise all other powers necessary and proper for the discharge of its duties.

63 Del. Laws, c. 189, § 2; 69 Del. Laws, c. 10, § 2; 70 Del. Laws, c. 186, § 1.;

§ 5007. Council on Development Finance.

(a) The Council on Development Finance is hereby established and shall serve in an advisory capacity to the Director and shall
consider matters relating to the financing and modernization of agricultural, industrial, commercial, emerging technologies
and other facilities in the State and such other matters as may be referred to it by the Governor, or by the Director. The
Council may study research, plan and advise the Director and the Governor on matters relating to economic development and
strategic opportunities.

(b)(1) The Office of Management and Budget and the Office of the Controller General shall appoint 1 designee from each of
their respective offices to support the staff of the Council. Upon request of the Council, the designees shall assist the
Council by providing relevant analysis and research. The designees must be available to attend all Council meetings.

(2) The chair of the Council, with prior notice to the Controller General, may engage professional contractual services when
necessary to provide analysis and research for specific applications recommended to the Council by the Delaware Economic Development
Office. The Office of the Controller General shall administer contracts for such services.

(c) The Council shall be composed of 9 members who are Delaware residents. The Governor shall appoint 7 members: 2 members
from New Castle County, 1 member from Kent County, 1 member from Sussex County and 3 at-large members. The President Pro Tempore
of the state Senate shall appoint 1 member of the Senate and the Speaker of the state House of Representatives shall appoint
1 member of the House of Representatives. Council members shall serve for 3-year terms and may be reappointed.

(d) At least 3, but no more than 4 members of the Council shall be affiliated with 1 of the major political parties and at
least 2, but no more than 3 of the members shall be affiliated with the other major political party; provided however, that
there shall be more than a bare majority representation of 1 major political party over the other major political party. Any
person who declines to announce a political affiliation shall also be eligible for appointment as a member of the Council.

(e) In making appointments to the Council, the Governor shall appoint professionals possessing 1 or more of the following
designations: a member of the Bar of the Supreme Court of the State, an officer of a bank or trust company located in the
State, an expert in private equity or a venture capital expert.

(f) Members of the Council shall serve without compensation, except that they may be reimbursed for reasonable and necessary
expenses incident of their duties as members in accordance with state law.

(g) Chairperson of the Council shall be appointed by the Governor. Such Chairperson shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.

(h) Any appointment, pursuant to this section, to replace a member whose position becomes vacant prior to the expiration of
the member's term shall be filled only for the remainder of that term. However, a person who is appointed to fill such a vacancy
may be reappointed.

(i) The Council shall conduct its business only when a quorum is present. A quorum shall consist of 5 of the 9 members being
physically present. Upon written request from the Council, the Governor may declare a vacancy for any member who is absent
from 4 consecutive Council meetings. The Council Chair should schedule meetings so that they are centrally located and geographically
balanced in number.

63 Del. Laws, c. 189, § 2; 70 Del. Laws, c. 186, § 1; 74 Del. Laws, c. 308, § 37; 76 Del. Laws, c. 79, § 56; 76 Del. Laws, c. 361, § 1, 2.;

§ 5008. Tourism Advisory Board.

(a) The Tourism Advisory Board is hereby established and shall serve in an advisory capacity to the Director and shall consider
matters relating to the promotion of the State as a destination for tourists and other travelers and such other matters as
may be referred to it, by the Governor, or by the Director. The Board may study, research, plan and advise the Director, and
the Governor, on matters it deems appropriate to enable the Office to function in the best possible manner.

(b) The Tourism Advisory Board shall be composed of 7 members who shall be appointed by the Governor and serve for a term
of 3 years.

(c) Members of the Board shall be residents of the State who are engaged in the tourist industry or who provide direct service
to tourists and other travelers. At least 2 members shall be appointed from each of the 3 counties of the State. For purposes
of this section, a member's residence shall be considered the member's principal place of business. At least 3, but no more
than 4, members of the Board shall be affiliated with 1 of the major political parties and at least 2, but not more than 3,
of the members shall be affiliated with the other major political party; provided, however, that there shall be no more than
a bare majority representation of 1 major political party over the other major political party. Any person who declines to
announce a political affiliation shall also be eligible for appointment as a member of the Board.

(d) The Director of the Office, or such person designated by the Director, shall serve as Secretary to the Board, and shall
maintain minutes of all meetings and such other records as are deemed necessary by the Director.

(e) Members of the Board shall serve without compensation, except that they may be reimbursed for reasonable and necessary
expenses incident to their duties as members in accordance with state law.

(f) A Chairperson of the Board shall be chosen by the members of the Board from among its members and shall serve in that
capacity for a term of 1 year and shall be eligible for reelection.

(g) Any appointment, pursuant to this section, to replace a member whose position becomes vacant prior to the expiration of
the member's term shall be filled only for the remainder of that term.

63 Del. Laws, c. 189, § 2; 70 Del. Laws, c. 186, § 1.;

§ 5009. Delaware Economic Development Office -- Staff.

(a) The Director and all employees of the Office shall be exempt from Chapter 59 of this title.

(b) The Division of Economic Development of the Department of Community Affairs and Economic Development and all positions
therein classified as equal to or higher than pay grade 21 of the state classified service, pursuant to Chapter 59 of this
title are hereby abolished. All positions within the Division classified as equal to or less than pay grade 20 shall remain
as classified positions and any incumbent employee classified as equal to or less than pay grade 20 affected by this chapter
shall continue to retain all rights, protections and privileges of the state classified service, pursuant to Chapter 59 of
this title.

(c) Any person classified as pay grade 21, or higher, of the state classified service, employed by the Office of Management,
Budget and Planning or the Division of Economic Development of the Department of Community Affairs and Economic Development
immediately prior to November 1, 1981, who is transferred to the Delaware Economic Development Office on or after November
1, 1981, and who is subsequently discharged by that Office, shall receive first preference in all other state employment opportunities
which arise after such discharge and for which opportunities such person is qualified. Each such person shall also have the
right of first refusal until permanent employment is obtained. Chapter 59 of this title and the rules created pursuant thereto
shall apply with regard to the reemployment of such personnel.

(d) In the event of any conflict between or among any personnel who are given a first preference in state employment opportunities
or a right of first refusal by any provision of this chapter or by any other law of the State, such conflict shall be resolved
according to the rules of the state classified service at the time such conflict arises. This subsection shall apply only
if at least 1 person governed by a provision of this chapter is a party to such a conflict.

63 Del. Laws, c. 189, § 2; 65 Del. Laws, c. 225, § 1; 69 Del. Laws, c. 458, § 1.;

§ 5010. Delaware Economic Development Office -- Collection and distribution of information; sale of publications.

(a) The Office may collect and disseminate any data or other information including, but not limited to, the population, demographics
and economy of the State. The Office shall take such steps as the Director deems appropriate to emphasize the investment,
business, employment and recreational opportunities and advantages of the State, and the potential for future development
within the State.

(b) The Office may elect to publish any information on its own or to use any of the accepted advertising media to carry out
the purposes of this chapter. The Office may also distribute information and materials donated to, or purchased by, the Office,
from private or public agencies, organizations, corporations or individuals.

(c) The Director may offer such publications and other materials described in this chapter for sale if deemed by the Director
to be in the best interests of the State, provided that the price so charged for the sale of said publications and materials
shall not exceed their original cost with the addition of a charge for postage and handling, if applicable.

(d) Such moneys as received by the Office from the sale of publications and materials shall be deposited with the Treasurer
of the State in a special fund of the State upon which the Director may draw to replace such publications and materials offered
for sale. Unexpended funds remaining in the special fund at the close of the fiscal year, and not previously expended or encumbered,
shall not revert but shall remain on deposit in such special fund for future use pursuant to this section.

63 Del. Laws, c. 189, § 2; 70 Del. Laws, c. 186, § 1.;

§ 5011. Delaware Economic Development Office -- Preparation of annual capital budget.

Transferred.

§ 5012. Assistance for tourism and business promotion.

(a) The Director is hereby authorized and directed to establish a special fund of the State to encourage instrumentalities
and political subdivisions of the State and private and public nonprofit associations to attract new investors and businesses
to the State, and to promote the State as a destination for tourists and other travelers.

(b) The Director may contract with any instrumentality or political subdivision of the State, and with any private or public
nonprofit association, to accomplish any work authorized by this chapter, provided that the said instrumentality or political
subdivision of the State, private or public nonprofit association, contributes an equal share to the cost of the project.

(c) The Director shall establish such rules and regulations as are necessary to determine the eligibility of any instrumentality
or political subdivision, private or public nonprofit association for participation in contracts authorized by this section.
A private or public nonprofit association shall submit a letter of exemption from the Internal Revenue Service as proof of
nonprofit status.

(d) The Director may, if the Director deems it necessary, limit the amount of money granted to any single project funded under
this section. Expenditures from this special fund shall be in accordance with state law and shall be limited to appropriations
provided therefor. Moneys on deposit in this special fund which are unexpended or unencumbered shall not revert at the end
of each fiscal year.

63 Del. Laws, c. 189, § 2; 70 Del. Laws, c. 186, § 1.;

§ 5013. Assumption of powers of Office.

The Office shall have the power to perform and shall be responsible for the performance of all powers, duties and functions
heretofore vested by law in the Division of Economic Development of the Department of Community Affairs and Economic Development
immediately prior to November 1, 1981, and which are not otherwise specifically transferred by this chapter.

63 Del. Laws, c. 189, § 2.;

§ 5014. Rights of appeals continued.

Any and all rights of appeal now existing by law with respect to any act or acts constituting the exercise of any function
or functions transferred by this chapter to the Office, to any subdivision thereof or to any council or board created by this
chapter shall continue to exist with respect to such act or acts as hereafter performed by the Office, by the subdivision,
by the council or by the board to which such function is transferred by this chapter, and each such appeal shall be perfected
in the manner heretofore provided by law.

63 Del. Laws, c. 189, § 2.;

§ 5015. Transition provisions.

(a) All property, including all books, records, papers, maps, charts, plans, equipment and other materials owned by or in
the possession of any agency of the State and used in connection with a function transferred by this chapter to the Office
shall, on November 1, 1981, be delivered into the custody of the Office. All investigations, petitions, hearings and legal
proceedings pending before, or instituted by, any agency from which functions are transferred by this chapter and which are
not concluded prior to November 1, 1981, shall continue unabated and remain in full force and effect, notwithstanding the
passage of this chapter and, where necessary, may be completed before, by or in the name of the Office. All orders, rules
and regulations made by any agency from which functions are transferred by this chapter and which govern such functions, and
which are in effect upon November 1, 1981, shall remain in full force and effect until revoked or modified in accordance with
law by the Office. All contracts and obligations of any agency made or undertaken in the performance of a function transferred
by this chapter to the Office and being in force on November 1, 1981, shall, notwithstanding this chapter, remain in full
force and effect and be performed by the Office.

(b) All definitions and references to any commission, board, department, council or agency which appear in any other act or
law shall, to the extent that they are consistent with this chapter and in connection with a function transferred by this
chapter to the Office or to any subdivision thereof or to any council or board created by this chapter, be construed as referring
and relating to the Office, to the appropriate subdivision thereof or to the council or board as created and established by
this chapter.

(c) All definitions and references to any director, commissioner, executive secretary, commission, board or council member
or other similar person which appear in any other act or law shall, to the extent that they are consistent with this chapter
and in connection with a function transferred by this chapter to the Office or to any subdivision thereof or to any council
or board created by this chapter, be construed as referring to or relating to the equivalent person or persons and their powers,
duties and functions as established and created in this chapter.

63 Del. Laws, c. 189, § 2.;

§ 5016. Reports.

(a) The Office shall submit an annual report to the Governor and the General Assembly on or before October 15 of each year.
Such report shall contain summaries of important accomplishments of the Office and summaries of the work of the Council on
Development Finance and of the Tourism Advisory Board.

(b) The Office shall also submit special reports upon the request of the Governor, the General Assembly, the Council on Development
Finance or the Tourism Advisory Board or at the discretion of the Director of those aspects of the Office's work which may
be deemed of current interest. Copies of all reports shall be made available for general distribution or sale.

(c) In preparing any reports on its operations, the Office may seek the advice of outside experts in the fields of tourist
and travel promotion or general economic development.

63 Del. Laws, c. 189, § 2.;

§ 5017. Misnomer of Office in donation.

Any misnomer shall not defeat or annul any gift, grant, devise or bequest to the Office if it sufficiently appears by the
will, conveyance or other writing that the party making the same intended to pass and convey thereby to the Office, the estate
or interest therein expressed or described.

63 Del. Laws, c. 189, § 2.;

§ 5018. Budget.

The Director shall prepare a proposed budget for the operation of the Office to be submitted for the consideration of the
Governor and the General Assembly. The budget may be presented in any manner consistent with guidelines provided by the Director
of the Office of Management and Budget; provided, however, that at least 1 budget unit, or successor budgetary component,
shall detail the Governor's proposed budget for the support of tourism. The Office shall be operated within the limitation
of the annual appropriation and any other funds appropriated by the General Assembly. Special funds may be used in accordance
with approved programs, grants or appropriations.

63 Del. Laws, c. 189, § 2; 75 Del. Laws, c. 88, § 21(13).;

§ 5019. Supremacy.

All other laws or parts of laws now in effect inconsistent with this chapter are hereby repealed, superseded, modified or
amended so far as necessary to conform to, and give full force and effect to, this chapter.

63 Del. Laws, c. 189, § 2.;