(b)

1. (1) Applicants shall submit two (2) copies of the application, including all supporting documentation, to the division by the application deadline.
2. (2) The Director of the Rural Services Division of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission shall develop funding recommendations based on a review of all eligible applications.
3. (3) Funding recommendations shall receive final review and approval from the Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.

(c)

1. (1) Applicants shall be notified of the final decision in writing.
2. (2) Applicants whose projects are not recommended for funding shall be notified of any deficiencies in their application.

(d)

1. (1) Approved applicants must sign a grant agreement with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission before any purchases are made or work commenced.
2. (2) Failing to sign a grant agreement prior to commencing work may result in forfeiture of the grant award.