The Legislature hereby finds that:
a. The maintenance of the State economy at a high level is vital to the public interest and in order to continue and accelerate the growth of new industries and businesses in the State, to enable our citizens the opportunity to secure gainful employment within the State, and to compete successfully with other States in attracting industry, business concerns and new job opportunities, it is necessary for the State to encourage and facilitate the actions of such concerns interested in locating in New Jersey, and to cooperate in the preparation of necessary surveys which will determine the feasibility of locating said industry or business in New Jersey.
b. To further achieve the optimum effectiveness of our State's over-all economic development, expansion and growth, a State financial assistance program is necessary at all levels of government, including public or private nonprofit agencies participating in economic development; to provide more intense, vigorous economic development programs related to industry, commerce, international trade, small business, agricultural markets, conventions, research and science advancement, and tourist-resort-vacation trade throughout the State of New Jersey.