761—163.4(315) Administration of RISE program.
	163.4(1) The RISE program shall be administered by the department as a statewide program, with projects evaluated primarily on the basis of economic development criteria rather than solely on the basis of transportation criteria. In carrying out its program responsibilities, the department shall:
	a. 	Involve local officials in program development and periodic program review and evaluation, including evaluation of the accomplishments and effectiveness of the RISE program. However, all project funding decisions shall be the responsibility of the commission.
	b. 	Simplify application processes and administrative procedures to the maximum practicable extent.
	c. 	Design the RISE program administrative procedures so that they are flexible enough to meet county and city needs.
	d. 	Ensure neutrality and fairness in the treatment of all applications submitted for funding under the RISE program.
	e. 	Promote intergovernmental cooperation on economic development.
	f. 	Promote the use of innovative financing mechanisms for RISE projects.
	163.4(2) The commission shall be responsible for all RISE project funding commitments. All project funding commitments are made subject to the availability of RISE funds.
	163.4(3) The department shall annually prepare a written report indicating the amount and percentage of funds committed during the previous year on primary roads, secondary roads, city streets, state park roads and county conservation parkways.
[ARC 3299C, IAB 8/30/17, effective 10/4/17; ARC 6930C, IAB 3/8/23, effective 4/12/23]