(1) The general assembly declares that the organization of downtown development authorities having the purposes and powers provided in this part 8 will serve a public use; will promote the health, safety, prosperity, security, and general welfare of the inhabitants thereof and of the people of this state; will halt or prevent deterioration of property values or structures within central business districts, will halt or prevent the growth of blighted areas within such districts, and will assist municipalities in the development and redevelopment of such districts and in the overall planning to restore or provide for the continuance of the health thereof; and will be of especial benefit to the property within the boundaries of any authority created pursuant to the provisions of this part 8.
(2) The general assembly determines, finds, and declares that because of a number of atypical factors and special conditions concerning downtown development unique to each locality, the rule of strict construction shall have no application to this part 8, but it shall be liberally construed to effect the purposes and objects for which it is intended.
Source: L. 76: Entire part added, p. 701, § 1, effective April 26. L. 77: (1) amended, p.
1472, § 1, effective June 19. L. 81: (1) amended, p. 1517, § 2, effective July 1.