(a) The committee will apply a uniform rating
system to evaluate applications. The ratings will be used to assign priorities
to, and make recommendations for, denial or approval of proposed projects.
Ratings will be kept by the department and will be available for public
inspection. Factors in rating applications, shown in order of decreasing
priority, include
(1) technical merit of
proposed concepts; this includes the project's potential to clean up Alaskan
waters, the potential for economic benefits of the proposed methods, and the
potential for other environmental benefits;
(2) practicality of proposed methods,
including their cost-effectiveness and adaptability to other locations or
operations;
(3) ability to carry
out the project; this evaluates cost estimates, time schedule, work force, and
organization of proposal and project, and whether the applicant shows good
understanding of the problem;
(4)
proposed sampling plans, measurement methods and equipment, or study and
testing plan;
(5) the degree to
which results and information can be produced in writing at the end of the
project;
(6) education, other
formal training, or experience related to placer mining or to pollution
control; the credentials of consultants proposed to be involved in the project
will also be evaluated; and
(7)
other factors deemed relevant by the committee or the commissioner.
(b) The committee will, in its
discretion, ask an applicant to submit additional information to explain
details of a proposed project.
(c)
The committee will recommend
(1) that a
complete application be approved or denied; and
(2) the terms and conditions of a grant
offer.
(d) In its
discretion, the committee will recommend that the commissioner offer
(1) less grant money than requested if the
scope of the proposal can be reduced based upon similar studies in progress,
possible improvements in project efficiency, or any other pertinent factors;
or
(2) more grant money than
requested if use of consultants' services would significantly improve a
proposed project and the total grant amount would not exceed
$100,000.
