§ 2783 - Determination of eligibility for grant
§ 2783. Determination of eligibility for grant
(a) Upon receipt of an application for a grant the secretary shall within 60 days determine whether or not the applicant is eligible for a subsidy under this chapter. An applicant shall be eligible for a subsidy if the secretary finds:
(1) the applicant serves an economic region generally consistent with the state's regional planning commission district;
(2) the applicant demonstrates the ability and willingness to provide planning and resource development services to local communities and to assist communities in evaluating economic conditions and prepare for economic growth and stability;
(3) the applicant demonstrates an ability to gather economic and sociological information concerning the area served;
(4) the applicant has letters of support from the legislative bodies of the affected municipalities;
(5) the applicant demonstrates a capability and willingness to assist existing business and industry, encourage the development and growth of small business and to attract industry and commerce;
(6) the applicant appears to be the best qualified applicant from the region to accomplish and promote economic development;
(7) the applicant needs the grant and that the grant will be used for the employment of professional persons on a full-time basis;
(8) the applicant presents an operating budget and has adequate funds available to match the requested grant;
(9) the applicant demonstrates a willingness to involve the public of the region in its policy-making process by offering membership to representatives of all municipalities in the economic region which shall elect the directors of the governing board;
(10) the applicant demonstrates a willingness to coordinate its activities with the planning functions of any regional planning commission located in the same geographic area as the applicant;
(11) the applicant has hired or contracted the services of a small business development specialist and a manufacturing extension service specialist or, in the alternative has demonstrated a commitment to use the services of small business development specialists and manufacturing extension service specialists who are located in other regions of the state.
(b) If the secretary finds that an applicant is ineligible for a grant under this chapter the secretary shall notify the applicant by certified mail.
(c) If the secretary finds that an applicant is eligible for a grant under this chapter the secretary shall determine the amount of the grant due that applicant under section 2784 of this title. (Added 1977, No. 112, § 1; amended 1979, No. 165 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; 1983, No. 39, § 2; 1989, No. 21, § 4; 1995, No. 46, § 30.)