§ 14-305-105 — Application process - Criteria for selection

(a) (1) After completing training in best management practices, a county may submit an application to receive funding for an unpaved road project to the Department of Agriculture. (2) The department shall: (A) Determine which of the proposed unpaved road projects to fund based on the criteria and requirements stated in this chapter; and (B) Create an advisory committee to assist the department in evaluating applications and determining which proposed unpaved road projects to fund. (b) A county applying for funding for an unpaved road project shall submit an application to the department that includes the following: (1) A brief description of the maintenance needs to be addressed by the unpaved road project; (2) A cost estimate for the unpaved road project; (3) A proposed work schedule for the unpaved road project; (4) The basis for successful completion of the unpaved road project with citation to the relevant feature contained in subsection (c) of this section; (5) A plan for using best management practices; (6) A description of the unpaved road project site, including without limitation a site map; and (7) Any other information requested by the department. (c) The proposed unpaved road project shall be located in a watershed area with at least one (1) of the following features, listed in order of priority: (1) An aquatic species that the United States Government has listed as a threatened, endangered, or candidate species; (2) A water body that has been determined to be impaired as a result of turbidity or sediment; (3) A drinking water source; (4) An interstate water body; (5) A species that the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission has declared is of greatest conservation need; (6) An agricultural or pasture land use; or (7) A forestry land use. (d) The proposed unpaved road project shall not include the paving or chipping and sealing of a dirt or gravel road. (e) The department shall evaluate and prioritize each proposed unpaved road project based on the characteristics of the road contributing to erosion.

Legislative History

Amended by Act 2021, No. 901,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 45, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 44, eff. 7/1/2019. Added by Act 2015, No. 898,§ 1, eff. 7/22/2015.