261—40.4 (83GA,SF2389) Highest-priority list. The director shall compile at least annually a highest-priority list of projects proposed for funding and shall publish the highest-priority list on the department’s Web site.
	 40.4(1) Eligibility. To be eligible to be included on the highest-priority list, the proposed project must be managed or owned by an eligible applicant, be eligible for main street funding described in 261—Chapter 39, and meet one of the following requirements:
	  a.   	 The project has previously applied for funding consideration or has received partial funding for façade master plans to rehabilitate storefronts in Iowa main street districts through the department’s community development programs;
	  b.   	 The project is a complete streetscape project for which planning and the majority of funding is already secure;
	  c.   	 The project is an unfunded project through the main street challenge grant described in 261—Chapter 39; or
	  d.   	 The project is a building rehabilitation project.
	 40.4(2) Priority. Proposed projects shall be prioritized based on the following criteria:
	  a.   	 The eligible applicant is in good standing with the department, that is, the eligible applicant is conforming with contractual requirements or has satisfactorily performed under prior awards.
	  b.   	 The project is currently under construction or has adequate development of construction documents so that it could be under construction within 60 days of award. For purposes of this subrule, “under construction” shall mean that construction contracts have been executed by the grantee or its subrecipients.
	  c.   	 The project could be completed within the grant period of 18 months from the date of award.
	  d.   	 The project has demonstrated a broad base of funding outside the public investment.
	  e.   	 The project is utilizing, intends to utilize, or has utilized state or federal historic tax credits, as evidenced by appropriate filings to the state historic preservation office.
	  f.   	 The project conforms to the state of Iowa’s Green Streets Criteria, version 2.0, published in August 2009.
	  g.   	 The project is considered a key structure or group of structures in a historic commercial district.
	  h.   	 The project, if funded, would likely result in job creation or revenue increases for the community.
	  i.   	 The estimated costs of the project are documented and credible.
	 40.4(3) Additional information. The department may request additional information from eligible applicants in developing the highest-priority list. Failure on the part of an eligible applicant to provide additional information to the department in the form and by the date requested may result in an eligible applicant’s project not being included in the highest-priority list.
[ARC 8922B, IAB 6/30/10, effective 6/11/10; ARC 9291B, IAB 12/15/10, effective 1/19/11]