261—211.8(15F) Application review.
	211.8(1) Authority staff will review CAT and RECAT applications to ensure the applications meet the threshold requirements set forth in subrule 211.8(2). All eligible applications will be forwarded to and reviewed by the enhance Iowa board. Applications that do not meet the threshold requirements will not be forwarded to the enhance Iowa board for review.
	211.8(2) Authority staff will review each application for the following information:
	a. 	Local support for the proposed activity.
	b. 	Whether the proposed project is primarily a vertical infrastructure project.
	c. 	Certification from the applicant that the applicant will provide and pay for at least 50 percent of the cost of a standard medical insurance plan for all full-time employees working at the project after the completion of the project for which financial assistance was received.
	d. 	At least 65 percent of the funds needed to complete the proposed project have been raised or pledged. Other state funds cannot be counted as match until the applicant can document that at least 50 percent of the funds have been raised.
	211.8(3) The CAT and vision Iowa program review committees shall consider, at a minimum, the following:
	a. 	Whether the wages, benefits, including health benefits, safety, and other attributes of the project would improve the quality of life or the quality of the attraction or tourism employment in the community.
	b. 	The extent to which such a project would generate additional recreational and cultural attractions or tourism opportunities.
	c. 	The ability of the project to produce a long-term tax-generating economic impact.
	d. 	The location of the projects and geographic diversity of the applications.
	e. 	The project is primarily a vertical infrastructure project with demonstrated substantial regional or statewide economic impact.
	f. 	Whether the applicant has received financial assistance under the program for the same project.
	g. 	The extent to which the project has taken the following planning principles into consideration:
	(1)	Efficient and effective use of land resources and existing infrastructure by encouraging development in areas with existing infrastructure or capacity to avoid costly duplication of services and costly use of land.
	(2)	Provision for a variety of transportation choices, including pedestrian traffic.
	(3)	Maintenance of a unique sense of place by respecting local cultural and natural environmental features.
	(4)	Conservation of open space and farmland and preservation of critical environmental areas.
	(5)	Promotion of safety, livability, and revitalization of existing urban and rural communities.
[ARC 8034B, IAB 8/12/09, effective 7/17/09; ARC 8213B, IAB 10/7/09, effective 11/11/09; ARC 4513C, IAB 6/19/19, effective 7/24/19]