(a) Promote economic development in a rural area; and

(b) Promote industry growth and job creation.

(2) Under the rules adopted under this section, the commission shall establish a site selection process by which the commission shall select one pilot program site from a city:

(a) Whose urban growth boundary is at least 78 air miles from the urban growth boundary of any city with a population of 300,000 or more; and

(b) That is located in a county with at least seven percent unemployment over the preceding five-year period.

(3) A city may nominate a site adjacent to its urban growth boundary for participation in the pilot program.

(4) When nominating a pilot program site for the site selection process, a city shall:

(a) Submit a concept plan for the pilot program, including a list of goals for the master plan for economic development of the proposed site and any proposed amendments to the comprehensive plan or land use regulations required to implement the master plan; and

(b) Demonstrate that the proposed pilot program site meets the requirements described in subsection (5) of this section.

(5) The commission shall select a pilot program site that is:

(a) Adjacent to the city’s existing urban growth boundary;

(b) Adjacent to an airport with an approved airport master plan;

(c) Near public facilities and services, including roadways; and

(d) Planned and zoned for commercial or industrial uses that are compatible with aviation uses, as determined by the commission. [2017 c.709 §1; 2018 c.15 §10]