a) The following counties may qualify for a grant authorized by the Act: two or more contiguous counties

1. 1) Having an aggregate population of 20,000 or fewer persons, or
2. 2) Comprising all counties within a region designated pursuant to Division 5-14 of the Counties Code (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1991, ch. 34, pars. 5-14001 et seq.) [55 ILCS 5/Division 5-14] and situated within the same region designated pursuant to that Act, or
3. 3) Comprising all counties within a designated shortage area. (Section 1005 of the Act)

b) Counties meeting the requirements of subsection (a) of this Section shall be considered eligible to apply for grants under the Act by:

1. 1) The enactment of appropriate resolutions creating a Regional Ambulance System Board, as provided in Section 1006 of the Act; and
2. 2) Designating the officer or agency to be responsible for administering grant funds; (Section 1005 of the Act) and
3. 3) Submitting an application to the Department in accordance with the requirements of Section 547.500.