1. (a) The EA will publish notice in the Texas Register advising RWPGs that funds are available and that applications will be accepted from eligible applicants for grants to develop a scope of work or to develop or revise regional water plans. The notice will describe the form and manner for applications. A RWPG may not receive grant funds unless the RWPG has provided the EA with a copy of the RWPG's adopted by-laws.
2. (b) The RWPG shall provide a written designation to the EA naming the political subdivision that is authorized to apply for grant funds on behalf of the RWPG. The RWPG shall ensure that the designated political subdivision has the legal authority to conduct the procurement and enter into the contracts necessary for regional planning.
3. (c) The political subdivision shall provide notice that an application for funding is being submitted in accordance with §357.21(e) of this title (relating to Notice and Public Participation).
4. (d) The EA may request clarification from the political subdivision if necessary to evaluate the application. Incomplete applications may be rejected and returned to the applicant. After the initial round of planning grant funds, an eligible applicant may submit additional applications for tasks not previously funded. The EA may fund additional applications under this subchapter, but is not required to provide such additional funding.

5. (e) The applications shall be evaluated by the following criteria:

   1. (1) degree to which proposed planning does not duplicate previous or ongoing planning;
   2. (2) project organization and budget;
   3. (3) scope of work of project;
   4. (4) eligibility of tasks for funding under this subchapter;
   5. (5) the relative need of the political subdivision for the money based upon an assessment of the necessary scope of work and cost to develop the regional water plan as compared to statewide needs for development of all regional water plans;
   6. (6) the legal authority of the political subdivision to participate in the development and implementation of a regional water plan; and
   7. (7) the degree to which regional water planning by the RWPG will address the water supply needs in the regional water planning area.

Source Note:The provisions of this §355.91 adopted to be effective August 12, 2012, 37 TexReg 5795; amended to be effective April 11, 2018, 43 TexReg 2156.