1. (a) If:

   1. (1) there is no center for independent living serving a region of Indiana or a region of Indiana is underserved; and

   2. (2) the state receives an increase in its federal allotment that is sufficient to support an additional center for independent living in Indiana;

      the division may award a grant to an eligible agency for a new center for independent living in the unserved or underserved region. A grant awarded under this section must be consistent with the provisions of the state plan establishing a statewide network of centers for independent living.

2. (b) The council shall rank eligible agencies applying for a grant under this section using the standards and assurances required under Section 725 of the federal act. The council shall consider the ability of the applicant to operate a center for independent living and shall select an applicant using the following criteria:

   1. (1) Evidence of the need for a center for independent living in the applicant's region of Indiana that is consistent with the state plan.
   2. (2) The past performance of the applicant in providing services comparable to independent living services.
   3. (3) The applicant's plan for complying with, or demonstrated compliance with, the standards and assurances set forth in Section 725 of the federal act.
   4. (4) The quality of the applicant's key personnel and the involvement of individuals with significant disabilities.

As added by P.L.217-2005, SEC.24.