§214.6.6.  Infrastructure priority program; applications; evaluations

A.  Applications for funding of any infrastructure project may be submitted by any political subdivision of the state.  For any infrastructure projects, applications shall be made to the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Board by November first of each year for consideration of funding in the following fiscal year.  Applications submitted in accordance with the provisions of this Section shall not be subject to the provisions of R.S. 39:101.  Agencies submitting applications for projects in this program shall be responsible for preparation of applications for their respective projects.  Information to be provided in the application shall include but not be limited to the following:

(1)  Description of the infrastructure impacted by coastal wetlands loss and demonstration of need for the project and benefits of the project.

(2)  Preliminary project design and cost estimate.

(3)  Description of project area including the geographical area affected, and land ownership information.

(4)  Description of how the project is consistent with the priorities of the master plan and how the project will address mitigation issues.

B.  Project applications shall not be subjected to formal review and evaluation until the information required in the application has been submitted or is determined to be unavailable.

C.  The applications submitted by agencies shall be evaluated by the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Board which shall hold no less than three public hearings in separate locations within the coastal area for the purpose of receiving public testimony and comment from requesting authorities and citizens regarding the proposed infrastructure projects.  Such hearings may be held at the same time and location as hearings set for public comment on the annual plan.  The authority shall prioritize and rank such applications.  The authority shall provide its application evaluations to the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Board.

D.  Based upon the evaluations of the authority, the board may compile a list of infrastructure projects to be formally included in the annual plan.

Acts 2009, No. 523, §3, eff. July 10, 2009; Acts 2012, No. 604, §3, eff. June 7, 2012.