LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska’s local and tribal governments can now apply for a state designation as an “enterprise zone” for economic development.

The Department of Economic Development announced that the 180-day application period opened on Tuesday. The department will accept applications through July 6 from Nebraska villages, cities, counties and tribal governments.

Enterprise zones are areas considered economically distressed, with relatively high unemployment, poverty and a declining population.

The department will designate up to five areas. Omaha and Lincoln are eligible to receive one designation each. Each area designated must be within a single county, must have a population of at least 250, and must cover an area between one and 16 square miles.