Section 001-552-II - FundingEach biennium, the Commissioner shall announce the amount of monies available for continuation funding of the Agricultural Viability Program and request applications from local lead agencies in those regions previously designated which have completed phase I.
A.Qualification for FundingBefore being considered eligible to apply for continuation funding, a local lead agency in a region must have satisfactorily completed the assessment phase and presented its assessment report to the Department.
B.Application for FundingTo qualify for continuation of funding, a local lead agency in a region shall submit to the Department an application which will include the following:
1. An action plan containing: (a) The goals and objectives the local lead agency intends to try to accomplish;(b) How these relate to their assessment; and(c) Action steps to achieve their objectives.2. An anticipated budget for the biennium.3. The duties and responsibilities of the Board of Directors or Steering Committee and any staff members.4. The names and addresses of the Board or Steering Committee and staff members.5. Matching support, both in cash and in kind, from other agencies, organizations and Individuals.6. A discussion of any proposed changes in the geographic boundary of the region.7. Proposed action on the part of the local lead agency which is Intended to ensure that the agricultural community and public in general have the opportunity to participate in any redirection of programs or local initiatives.8. An indication of the extent of the total need in the region, even though that amount is not available from the State.C. Awarding of Funds Funds shall be awarded based on their availability and the demonstrated need as presented in the application. In awarding funds, the Commissioner or his designee, shall be guided by the Agricultural Viability Advisory Committee and shall consider the following:
1. The extent to which the project will serve as a model for other regions.2. The likelihood of significant and recognizable implementation.3. The impact of the project: a. On the local agricultural economy.b. On the general local economy.c. On the agricultural economy statewide.d. On the general economy statewide.4. The likelihood that the agricultural community and the public in general will have the opportunity to, and will be encouraged to, participate in any proposed redirection of programs.5. The extent to which there is indication of local commitment of funds or in-kind support for conducting the projects.D.Negotiation1. In situations where a conflict may arise, the Commissioner and the Local Lead Agency shall resolve the issue in a manner mutually agreeable to both parties by negotiation in good faith.2. In cases where regional boundary changes are proposed, criteria set forth in Chapter 551 (Rules for Conducting the Assessment Phase of the Agricultural Viability Program) Section III-A shall apply.01-001 C.M.R. ch. 552, § II