(1)Eligible applicants or participants may file an application with the local soil conservation district or the state soil and water conservation commission for a cost-share contract or project from the state soil and water conservation commission general fund for the purpose of financing agricultural, grazing or other conservation improvements, projects or implementation of the water quality program for agriculture. Such application shall be filed in such a manner and shall be in such form and be accompanied by such information as may be prescribed by the commission; provided however, any such application filed with the district or the commission under the provisions of this section shall:
(a)Describe the nature and purposes of the improvements and projects requiring cost-sharing;
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(1) Eligible applicants or participants may file an application with the local soil conservation district or the state soil and water conservation commission for a cost-share contract or project from the state soil and water conservation commission general fund for the purpose of financing agricultural, grazing or other conservation improvements, projects or implementation of the water quality program for agriculture. Such application shall be filed in such a manner and shall be in such form and be accompanied by such information as may be prescribed by the commission; provided however, any such application filed with the district or the commission under the provisions of this section shall:
(a) Describe the nature and purposes of the improvements and projects requiring cost-sharing;
(b) Set forth or be accompanied by a plan that identifies the conservation improvements or projects, together with such technical and economic feasibility data and estimated costs as may be required by the commission;
(c) State whether money other than that for which application is made under this section will be used for costs, and whether such money is available or has been sought for this purpose; and
(d) Show the proposed project is feasible from a technical standpoint and is economically justified.
(2) The commission and the local soil conservation district will keep each other informed of cost-share applications received. Within thirty (30) days of receipt of an application, the local soil conservation district or the commission shall review and evaluate and, if deemed necessary, investigate all aspects of the proposed contract or project. As part of such investigation, the district or the commission shall determine whether the plan for development of the conservation improvements or projects is satisfactory. If the district or the commission determines the plan is unsatisfactory, it shall return the application to the applicant or participant and the district or the commission may make such recommendations to the applicant or participant as are considered necessary to make the application satisfactory. When the commission determines either the application or an application revised pursuant to recommendation of the district or commission is satisfactory, it shall be considered for funding.
(3) The commission may approve a cost-share contract to an applicant or participant for conservation projects and improvements if, after review, evaluation and investigation, it finds that:
(a) The applicant or participant is qualified and responsible;
(b) The conservation improvement or project demonstrates public benefit;
(c) There is reasonable assurance that the applicant or participant will adhere to contract terms; and
(d) Money is available in the state soil and water conservation commission general fund for cost-share.
(4) Upon approval of the cost-share contract or cost-share grant, and securing of all necessary documents, the commission will make funding available.