(a) The EA will notify the 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.
(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 of professional services and enter into the contracts necessary for regional water planning.
(c) The political subdivision shall provide notice that an application for funding is being submitted in accordance with §357.21 of this title (relating to Notice and Public Participation).
(d) The application must include: the name of the political subdivision; citation to the laws under which the political subdivision was created and is operating, specific citation of all laws providing authority to develop and implement a regional water plan; the amount of funding requested; and any other relevant information requested by the EA.
(e) 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.
(f) The applications shall be evaluated by the following criteria:
  (1) degree to which proposed planning does not duplicate previous or ongoing water planning;
  (2) project budget;
  (3) scope of work;
  (4) the relative need of the political subdivision for the money based on the scope of work and cost to develop the regional water plan;
  (5) the legal authority of the political subdivision to participate in the development and implementation of a regional water plan; and
  (6) 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; amended to be effective May 27, 2021, 46 TxReg 3296