New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 18 - TRANSPORTATION AND HIGHWAYS
Chapter 27 - HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION GENERAL PROVISIONS
Part 6 - TRANSPORTATION PROJECT FUND
Section 18.27.6.11 - APPLICATION PROCEDURES, REVIEW AND EVALUATION PROCESS

A. Any eligible entity interested in applying for a grant award must submit a completed project feasibility form to their MPO or RTPO. A complete project feasibility form must be submitted to the appropriate MPO or RTPO before the deadline specified in the call for projects.

B. If a project is determined to be feasible, the eligible entity will be requested to submit a project application.

C. Timely application packages will be reviewed and ranked by the MPO/RTPO using the criteria specified in the call for projects.

D. Each MPO/RTPO will submit its ranked list of projects to the district engineer for the district where the project is located no later than 30 days prior to the start of the fiscal year in which funding is available.

E. Each individual district engineer will present their recommendation to the secretary prior to start of the fiscal year in which funding is available.

F. The secretary shall by Augustfirst of the fiscal year in which funds are available submit a proposed list of transportation projects identified by the above described project review process to the commission.

G. Final project selection and funding amounts will be determined by the commission no later than September first of that same fiscal year. The commission's decision will be final. At its discretion, the commission may adjust the projects selected in an effort to program funds in a geographically equitable manner or in any other manner. The commission may, in its sole discretion, reject all applications or award grants totaling less than the funds appropriated for the particular fiscal year. The commission may approve subsequent changes to a priority list as it deems necessary.

H. After projects are selected, the department will send out award letters and grant agreements to the selected eligible entities. Applicants whose projects were not selected will be notified as well. Each awarded eligible entity must execute a grant agreement with the department. Once a fully executed grant agreement has been received by the department, the eligible entity may then proceed with authorized project activities. If the eligible entity fails to execute and return the grant agreement within 60 days of receiving the notice of award, the project shall be considered lapsed and may be submitted to the commission for re-programming.

I. The department shall disburse the grant to the eligible entity after receipt of a request for disbursement submitted by the eligible entity to the department and receipt of a fully executed project agreement. The format of the request for disbursement will be determined by the department.

J. Any moneys appropriated to a specific eligible entity by the legislature shall be disbursed to the eligible entity after receipt of a request for disbursement submitted by the eligible entity to the department and the receipt of a fully executed project agreement.