Section 001-35-5 - ADMINISTRATION1. Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry To the extent practicable and necessary, the Commissioner will:
A. Annually assess available funding and determine whether to issue Maine Healthy Soil Fund grants and/or payment-for-practice programs;B. Periodically initiate review of all programs and program criteria to consider changes when it is deemed necessary and appropriate;C. Delegate program responsibilities to Department staff; and D. If necessary, contract administration of this program or portions of this program to a qualified organization through a competitive bid process as determined by the Department.2. State Soil Scientist in the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry As necessary, the State Soil Scientist will:A. Provide overall supervision and policy oversight to the program;B. Provide clear and timely guidance and instructions on grant program(s) parameters, application processes, and deadlines;C. Coordinate review panel activities and applicant notifications;D. Maintain records of qualified soil health best practices and soil health testing laboratories;E. Conduct or delegate site visits and other verification activities; andF. Collect and assess metrics and reports filed with the Department by grantees.01-001 C.M.R. ch. 35, § 5