(a) There is established a Department of Economic and Community Development. The department head shall be the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development, who shall be appointed by the Governor in accordance with the provisions of sections 4-5 to 4-8, inclusive, with the powers and duties prescribed in said sections 4-5 to 4-8, inclusive.

(b) Except as provided in § 8-37r, said department shall constitute a successor department to the Department of Housing in accordance with the provisions of sections 4-38d, 4-38e and 4-39.

(c) Said department shall constitute a successor department to the Department of Economic Development in accordance with the provisions of sections 4-38d, 4-38e and 4-39.

(d) Whenever the term “Commissioner of Economic Development” is used or referred to in the general statutes, the term “Commissioner of Economic and Community Development” shall be substituted in lieu thereof. Whenever the term “Department of Economic Development” is used or referred to in the general statutes, the term “Department of Economic and Community Development” shall be substituted in lieu thereof.

(e) If the term “Commissioner of Housing” or “Commissioner of Economic Development” is used or referred to in any public or special act of 1995 or 1996, or in any section of the general statutes which is amended in 1995 or 1996, it shall be deemed to mean or refer to the “Commissioner of Economic and Community Development”.

(f) If the term “Department of Housing” or “Department of Economic Development” is used or referred to in any public or special act of 1995 or 1996, or in any section of the general statutes which is amended in 1995 or 1996, it shall be deemed to mean or refer to the “Department of Economic and Community Development”.