27—21.40 (161A) Proposal review. Part 4 establishes the process that the state soil conservation committee will follow in reviewing the applications submitted, and selecting which, if any, will be funded.
	   21.40(1) The state soil conservation committee will give consideration to the following criteria in evaluating the project proposals submitted:
	      a.    	 The water resource to be protected.
	      b.    	 The nature, extent and severity of water quality issues identified and targeted for correction.
	      c.    	 The nature and variety of the proposed project measures.
	      d.    	 The level of financial contribution requested for the project.
	      e.    	 The cost-effectiveness of the proposed project measures.
	      f.    	 Agency, organization and landowner participation.
	      g.    	 The public benefits projected.
	      h.    	 The likelihood of project success within the projected time frame.
	   21.40(2) Proposal presentation. The state soil conservation committee may, at its discretion, ask the project applicant to make a formal presentation concerning the application or provide additional information.
	   21.40(3) Review assistance. The state soil conservation committee may receive assistance in the evaluation of project applications from division staff or other agencies.
	   21.40(4) Negotiation. The state soil conservation committee may negotiate any part of the proposal with the applicant prior to project selection.
	   21.40(5) Project selection. Projects selected will be funded on an annual basis. Funding for additional years of the projects will be provided on the basis of satisfactory progress and available funds of the water protection fund.
	   21.40(6) Notification. The state soil conservation committee will inform each applicant of the final determination with respect to their application.
[ARC 2192C, IAB 10/14/15, effective 11/18/15]