597.1—Applicability and scope.

(a) This part establishes policies and procedures applicable to urban Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities, authorized under subchapter U of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, relating to the designation and treatment of Empowerment Zones, Enterprise Communities and Rural Development Investment Areas.
(b) This part contains provisions relating to area requirements, the nomination process for urban Empowerment Zones and urban Enterprise Communities, and the designation and administration of these Zones and Communities by HUD. Provisions dealing with the nomination and designation of rural Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities will be promulgated by the Department of Agriculture. HUD and the Department of Agriculture will consult in all cases in which nominated areas possess both urban and rural characteristics, and will utilize a flexible approach in determining the appropriate designation.