1519 - Retroactive authority.

     § 1519.  Retroactive authority.        (a)  Date of project.--Financial assistance may be awarded     under this chapter by the department with reference to an     appropriate project irrespective of when it was first commenced     or considered and regardless of whether costs with respect to     the project were incurred prior to the time the financial     assistance is applied for or provided.        (b)  Capital projects.--            (1)  For capital projects, the applicant must obtain        written approval from the department prior to incurring any        expenses for which the applicant may later seek        reimbursement.            (2)  Notwithstanding paragraph (1), approval by the        department shall not constitute an approval of the        applicant's underlying request for financial assistance.            (3)  By providing preapproval under this subsection, the        department may recognize any local funds already expended as        satisfying the local match requirement if and when the        applicant's application is approved.