It is the finding of the legislature that foreign trade zones serve an important public purpose by the creation of employment opportunities within the state and that the establishment of zones designed to accomplish this purpose is to be encouraged. It is the further intent of the legislature that the *department of community, trade, and economic development provide assistance to entities planning to apply to the United States for permission to establish such zones.
[ 1995 c 399 § 12; 1985 c 466 § 39; 1977 ex.s. c 196 § 1; ]
A nonprofit corporation or organization, as zone sponsor, may apply to the United States for permission to establish, operate, and maintain foreign trade zones: PROVIDED, That nothing herein shall be construed to prevent these zones from being operated and financed by a private corporation(s) on behalf of said nonprofit corporation acting as zone sponsor.
[ 1977 ex.s. c 196 § 2; ]