261—23.10 (15) Requirements for the opportunities and threats fund. The opportunities and threats fund is reserved for communities experiencing a threat to public health, safety or welfare that necessitates immediate corrective action sooner than can be accomplished through normal community development block grant procedures, or for disaster recovery activities, or for communities developing a sustainable community demonstration project.
	   23.10(1) Application procedure. Those local governments applying for contingency funds shall submit a written request to the Economic Development Authority, Community Development Division, 200 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50309. The request shall include a description of the situation, the project budget including the amount of the request from the authority, projected use of funds and an explanation of the reason that the situation cannot be remedied through normal CDBG funding procedures.
	   23.10(2) Application review. Upon receipt of a request for opportunities and threats funding, the authority shall determine whether the project is eligible for funding and notify the applicant of its determination. The authority shall review applications and make funding decisions based on criteria described in the annual action plan. Review criteria typically include:
	      a.    	 Projects to address a threat to health and safety.
	       (1)  	 An immediate threat to health, safety or community welfare must exist that requires immediate action.
	       (2)  	 The threat must be the result of unforeseeable and unavoidable circumstances or events.
	       (3)  	 No known alternative project or action would be more feasible than the proposed project.
	       (4)  	 Sufficient other local, state or federal funds either are not available or cannot be obtained in the time frame required.
	      b.    	 Projects to demonstrate sustainable community activities.
	       (1)  	 The project is consistent with sustainability and smart growth principles.
	       (2)  	 The project provides a beneficial impact on the standard of living and quality of life of proposed beneficiaries.
	       (3)  	 The project can be ready to proceed and be completed in a timely manner.
	       (4)  	 The project leverages the maximum amount of local funds possible.
	       (5)  	 The project will continue to remain viable after CDBG assistance.
	       (6)  	 The project meets the funding standards established by the funding criteria set forth in this rule.
	       (7)  	 The applicant provides adequate information to the authority on total project design and costs as requested.
	       (8)  	 The project is innovative and could be replicated in other communities.
	       (9)  	 The project meets or exceeds the minimum building and site design criteria established by the authority.
	   23.10(3) Additional information. The authority may request additional information on forms prescribed by the authority prior to making a final funding decision. The authority may negotiate final project award and design components.
	   23.10(4) Future allocations. The authority may reserve future funds anticipated from federal CDBG allocations to the contingency fund to offset current need for commitment of funds which may be met by amounts deferred from current awards.
[ARC 2038C, IAB 6/24/15, effective 7/29/15]