1. (a) When reviewing and awarding grants under this part, the Department shall consider:

   1. (1) the equitable distribution of funds across all geographical regions of the State;
   2. (2) the adequacy of existing distribution organizations in the region served or intended to be served by the applicant;
   3. (3) the estimated population to be served by the applicant;
   4. (4) the applicant's level of experience in operating a distribution organization; and
   5. (5) the amount of funding and other resources available to the applicant.

2. (b)

   1. (1) The Department may not release funds to a grantee under this part until the grantee establishes that the grantee has obtained matching resources or a commitment for matching resources that equals at least 50% of the grant amount.
   2. (2) The matching resources may be in the form of cash or an in-kind equivalent acceptable to the Department.

Added by Acts 2007, c. 3, § 2, eff. Oct. 1, 2007.