Section 486-A:8-a - Public NoticeI. For surface water treatment projects, regional water system projects, and evaluation of groundwaters contributing area of public wells with recorded levels of chemical contaminants the commissioner of environmental services or designee shall hold an annual public hearing to receive testimony on the projects recommended by the department, in accordance with RSA 486-A:8, to receive grants in the next fiscal year. After considering the testimony offered at the hearing, the commissioner shall finalize the priority list for the next fiscal year, and project assistance shall be granted accordingly.II. The department shall provide notice by certified mail to the municipality in which the land is located of each water supply land protection project recommended by the department, in accordance with RSA 486-A:8, to receive a grant, and shall wait 20 days for a hearing request. Upon request of the governing body of the municipality in which the land is located, the commissioner of environmental services or designee shall hold a public hearing to receive testimony on any project recommended to receive a grant. The department shall provide notice of any such hearing at least 30 days prior to the hearing by notices posted in at least one public place in the municipality and in at least 2 newspapers of general circulation in the region, and by certified mail to the governing body of the municipality. After considering the testimony offered at all of the public hearings requested for that year's recommended projects, the commissioner shall finalize the priority list for the next fiscal year, and project assistance shall be granted accordingly. If no hearing is requested, the department shall select projects for funding without a public hearing.2000, 310:2. 2003, 178:11, eff. July 1, 2003.