---
kind: "section"
citation: "13 C.F.R. § 310.2"
title: "13"
number: "310.2"
heading: "Pressing need; alleviation of unemployment or underemployment."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/13/310.2"
---

# §310.2. Pressing need; alleviation of unemployment or underemployment.

- (a) The Assistant Secretary may find a pressing need to exist if the Region which the Project will serve:
  - (1) Has a unique or urgent circumstance that would necessitate waiver of the CEDS requirements of [§ 303.7](/cfr/13/303.7.md) of this chapter;
  - (2) Involves a Project undertaken by an Indian Tribe;
  - (3) Is rural and severely distressed;
  - (4) Is undergoing a transition in its economic base as a result of changing trade patterns (e.g., the Region is certified as eligible by the North American Development Bank Program or the Community Adjustment and Investment Program);
  - (5) Exhibits a substantial reliance on a natural resource for its economic well-being;
  - (6) Has been designated as a Federally Declared Disaster area; or
  - (7) **Has a Special Need.**
- (b) For purposes of this part, excessive unemployment exists if the 24-month unemployment rate is at least 225 percent of the national average or the per capita income is not more than 50 percent of the national average. A Region demonstrates excessive underemployment if the employment of a substantial percentage of workers in the Region is less than full-time or at less skilled tasks than their training or abilities would otherwise permit. Eligible Applicants seeking a Special Impact Area designation under this criterion must present appropriate and compelling economic and demographic data.
- (c) Eligible Applicants may demonstrate the provision of useful employment opportunities by quantifying and evidencing the Project's prospective:
  - (1) Creation of jobs;
  - (2) Commitment of financial investment by private entities; or
  - (3) Application of innovative technology that will lead to the creation of jobs or the commitment of financial investment by private entities.

## Notes

### Amendments

[71 FR 56675, Sept. 27, 2006, as amended at 79 FR 76136, Dec. 19, 2014]

### Authority

Authority: 42 U.S.C. 3154; Department of Commerce Organization Order 10-4.

### Source

Source: 71 FR 56675, Sept. 27, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

### Amendments

[71 FR 56675, Sept. 27, 2006, as amended at 79 FR 76136, Dec. 19, 2014]