During its 46-year history, the EDA has evolved from a cluster of programs targeted primarily to rural communities experiencing long-term economic depression to an agency that also assists urban areas and addresses issues confronting communities experience sudden economic dislocation. Contents of this report: (1) Precursors to the EDA; (2) Public Works and Econ. Develop. Act (PWEDA) of 1965: PWEDA Amend. of the 1970s; Title VII, EDA and Disaster Recovery; Title IX, Special Econ. Develop. and Adjust. Assist.; Title X and Other EDA Anti-recession Legislation; PWEDA Amend. of 1976; Redrafting EDA¿s Authority: PWEDA Amend. of 1998; Refining the 1998 Amend.; EDA Reauth. Act of 2004. This is a print on demand report.

Considers S. 1648, to authorize grants for public works and development facilities, other financial assistance and the planning and coordination needed to alleviate conditions of substantial and persistent unemployment and underemployment in economically distressed areas and regions.