Project area selection criteria.

(a) In selecting project areas, CCC will consider: (1) The dry tons of the eligible crops proposed to be produced in the proposed project area and the probability that such crops will be used for BCAP purposes; (2) The dry tons of renewable biomass projected to be available from sources other than the eligible crops grown on contract acres; (3) The anticipated economic impact in the proposed project area; (4) The opportunity for producers and local investors to participate in the ownership of the biomass conversion facility in the proposed project area; (5) The participation rate by beginning or socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers; (6) The impact on soil, water, and related resources; (7) The variety in biomass production approaches within a project area, including agronomic conditions, harvest and postharvest practices, and monoculture and polyculture crop mixes; (8) The range of eligible crops among project areas; (9) Status as an existing project area that has received funding under this subpart and the continuation of funding such project areas to advance the maturity of such project areas; and (10) Any other necessary additional information, as determined by CCC. (b) [Reserved] [75 FR 66234, Oct. 27, 2010, as amended at 80 FR 10574, Feb. 27, 2015]