A qualifying project must be found by the Secretary of Commerce to conduct an activity specified in subdivision (1) and to meet the minimum standard set forth in subdivision (2).

(1) A qualifying project must predominantly conduct an activity that is any one or more of the following:

a. Described by NAICS Code 1133, 115111, 2121, 22111, 221330, 31 (other than 311811), 32, 33, 423, 424, 482, 4862, 48691, 48699, 48819, 4882, 4883 (other than 48833), 493, 511, 5121 (other than 51213), 51221, 517, 518 (without regard to the premise that data processing and related services be performed in conjunction with a third party), 51913, 52232, 54133 (if predominantly in furtherance of another activity described in this article), 54134 (if predominantly in furtherance of another activity described in this article), 54138, 5415, 541614, 5417, 55 (if not for the production of electricity), 561422 (other than establishments that originate telephone calls), 562213, 56291, 56292, 611512, 927, or 92811.

b. The production of biofuel as such term is defined in Section 2-2-90(c)(2).

c. The conduct of original investigations undertaken on a systematic basis to gain new knowledge or the application of research findings or other scientific knowledge to create new or significantly improved products or processes.

d. The national or regional headquarters for a company that conducts significant business operations outside the state and that will serve as the principal office of the company’s principal operating officer with chief responsibility for the daily business operations of the company.

e. A commercial enterprise which is open to the public not less than 120 days during a calendar year and is designed to attract visitors from inside or outside of the State of Alabama, typically for its inherent cultural value, historical significance, natural or man-made beauty, or entertainment or amusement opportunities, including, but not limited to, a cultural or historical site, a botanical garden, a museum, a wildlife park or aquarium open to the public that cares for and displays a collection of animals or fish, an amusement park, a convention hotel and conference center, a water park, or a spectator venue or arena.

f. A target of the state’s economic development efforts pursuant to the Accelerate Alabama Strategic Economic Development Plan adopted in January 2012 by the Alabama Economic Development Alliance, created by Executive Order Number 21 of the Governor on July 18, 2011, or any amended version or successor document thereto.

g. A type listed in a regulation adopted by the Department of Commerce, other than a regulation submitted as an emergency rule.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a qualifying project may not engage predominantly in farming activities involving trees, animals, or crops, and a qualifying project may not engage predominantly in the retail sale of tangible personal property or services, and may not be a shopping center, restaurant, movie theater, bowling alley, fitness center, miniature golf course, nightclub, gaming facility, or establishment serving the local community. However, if such excluded activities are not the predominant activity at the project, and if the project is otherwise a qualifying project, then the project agreement may provide that the capital investment may include costs related to excluded activities that are ancillary to the primary business conducted as part of the project. This provision shall not be deemed to exclude customer service centers, call centers or headquarters otherwise allowed by this subdivision (1).

(2) A qualifying project shall create a significant number of new jobs for the area in which the qualifying project shall be located. Absent a finding of extraordinary circumstances by the Secretary of Commerce, a qualifying project shall employ either of the following number of new employees:

a. Any number of new employees, for a qualifying project in which the predominant activity involves chemical manufacturing, data centers, engineering, design, or research, metal/machining technology or toolmaking; or

b. At least 50 new employees, for all other qualifying projects.