CHAPTER 4. LIMITED EXEMPTION FOR DOWNTOWN,

HISTORIC, AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICTS

§4311. Findings and purpose

           It is recognized as essential to the continued growth and development of the state and to the continued prosperity and welfare of the people of the state that the expansion, restoration, improvement, and development of existing commercial structures and owner-occupied residences in downtown, historic, and economic development districts be encouraged in order to provide for the development and improvement of local communities, the fullest use of underutilized resources, and the enhancement of the tax base. For these reasons the legislature proposed and the people of Louisiana adopted Article VII, Section 21(H) of the Constitution of Louisiana to provide a means by which owners of such properties who expand, restore, improve, or develop them may pay ad valorem taxes for five years based upon the assessed valuation of the property for the year prior to the commencement of the expansion, restoration, improvement, or development. It is the purpose of this Chapter to provide the procedures and conditions for the granting of contracts for such purpose by the State Board of Commerce and Industry in accordance with the provisions of the Louisiana Constitution.

           Acts 1990, No. 503, §1.