National Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1979

National Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1979 - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to designate: (1) redevelopment areas; (2) pockets of distress; (3) presently identified urban or rural special impact areas; (4) areas in which the majority of families are living in poverty; (5) economic adjustment areas; (6) economic development districts; and (7) economic development centers.

Title I: Economic Development and Adjustment Planning Assistance and Technical Assistance - Authorizes the Secretary to extend the following types of assistance: (1) general capacity building assistance; (2) adjustment planning assistance; and (3) technical assistance.

Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for the establishment and maintenance of an economic development planning program to: (1) States; (2) substate regional planning and development organizations; (3) local governmental units; and (4) Indian tribes. Lists the types of organizations eligible to receive adjustment planning assistance and technical assistance. Requires the Secretary to approve plans and strategies prepared with assistance under this title.

Directs the Secretary to give priority to assisting applicants from redevelopment areas and pockets of distress.

Title II: Grants for Public Works and Other Economic Development and Adjustment - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to eligible applicants for: (1) the design and an analysis of the environmental impacts of public works, public service, or development facilities; (2) acquisition and development of land and the improvement of such facilities; (3) projects providing immediate useful work for the disadvantaged, long-term unemployed; (4) revolving loan funds to be used to create or maintain jobs; (5) funding of approved State projects assisted under title I; and (6) eligible applicants to take advantage of other assistance programs. Limits the Federal share of a project's funding.

Authorizes the Secretary to make bonus grants to redevelopment areas and pockets of distress participating in designated economic development districts.

Specifies factors which may be taken into consideration by the Secretary in allocating assistance.

Title III: Development Financing - Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) make direct and guaranteed loans; and (2) contract to pay a portion of the interest on such loans, for eligible projects in distressed areas.

Stipulates that such assistance must be related to industrial or commercial purposes and generate or retain private sector employment. Sets forth factors to be considered by the Secretary in allocating such assistance. Sets forth limitations on such assistance.

Authorizes appropriations for the guaranteed full value of the loans through fiscal year 1985.

Requires the Secretary to keep confidential trade secrets received in connection with applications for loans.

Title IV: Research, Evaluation, and Demonstration - Authorizes the Secretary to conduct: (1) research programs to assist in determining the causes of unemployment or to promote economic development; and (2) demonstration programs to foster regional productivity and growth.

Title V: Administration - Creates the position of Under Secretary for Economic Development in the Department of Commerce. Sets forth the powers of the Secretary of Commerce in performing duties under this Act. Transfers the personnel, property and funds of the Economic Development Administration to such entity as the Secretary shall determine.

Requires the Secretary to make an annual report to Congress with respect to this Act.

Prohibits applicants from employing for two years any person involved with the granting of assistance under this Act.

Requires recipients of assistance to keep such records as the Secretary shall prescribe. Prohibits direct assistance to establishments relocating from one area to another.

Repeals the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965.

Prohibits assistance to be expended for salaries and wages which exceed the President's anti-inflationary guidelines. Prohibits assistance which would result in increased supply when there is insufficient demand. Requires laborers and mechanics employed by assisted projects to be paid in accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act.