§ 6-405

(a) When reviewing and awarding grants under this part, the Department shall consider:

(1) the equitable distribution of funds across all geographical regions of the State;

(2) the adequacy of existing distribution organizations in the region served or intended to be served by the applicant;

(3) the estimated population to be served by the applicant;

(4) the applicant’s level of experience in operating a distribution organization; and

(5) the amount of funding and other resources available to the applicant.

(b) (1) The Department may not release funds to a grantee under this part until the grantee establishes that the grantee has obtained matching resources or a commitment for matching resources that equals at least 50% of the grant amount.

(2) The matching resources may be in the form of cash or an in-kind equivalent acceptable to the Department.