7 CFR § 25.101 - Data utilized for eligibility determinations.
(a) Source of data. The data to be employed in determining eligibility pursuant to this part shall be based on the 1990 Census, and from information published by the Bureau of Census and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, provided, however, that for purposes of demonstrating outmigration pursuant to § 25.104(b)(2)(iii), data from the 1980 Census and interim data collected by the Bureau of Census for the 1990–1994 period may be used. The data shall be comparable in point or period of time and methodology employed.
(b) Use of statistics on boundaries. The boundary of a rural area nominated for designation as an Empowerment Zone or Enterprise Community must coincide with the boundaries of Census tracts, or, where tracts are not defined, with block numbering areas, except:
(1) Nominated areas in Alaska and Hawaii shall coincide with the boundaries of census tracts or block groups as such term is used for purposes of the 1990 Census;
(2) Developable sites are not required to coincide with the boundaries of Census tracts; and
(3) Nominated areas wholly within an Indian reservation are not required to adhere to census tract boundaries if sufficient credible data are available to show compliance with other requirements of this part. The requirements of § 25.103 are otherwise applicable.