312 IAC 26-3-5 Ratings of applications

[NOTE: IC 14-12-3 is repealed by P.L. 123-2026, SECTION 21, effective July 1, 2026.] Sec. 5. (a) An application for a grant made under this rule is evaluated according to ratings established by this section using the SCORP. (b) The project application ratings criteria set forth in this subsection apply. The rating given to each project is determined by the extent to which the project accomplishes the purposes set forth in these criteria. A project receives a higher rating to the extent the project would as follows: (1) Protect the state's natural heritage and important cultural and historic resources. (2) Provide or expand interpretive facilities that develop greater awareness and appreciation of Indiana's natural and cultural resources, the environment, and their proper use and management. (3) Expand recreational opportunities by more effective and efficient use of existing resources. (4) Provide more land for public recreation or natural resource conservation. (5) Prevent the loss of land to nonrecreational conservation use if funds are not obtained. (6) Acquire wetlands. (7) Enhance resources such as fish and wildlife habitat and plant communities. (8) Enhance direct access to the state's lake and nonintermittent streams. (9) Provide trail opportunities. (10) Improve and expand cooperation, coordination, and planning within and between governmental entities and the private sector. (11) Meet local recreation needs as described in a park and recreation master plan. (12) Add diversity of local recreation opportunities. (13) Project energy saving alternatives. (14) If competing applications otherwise rate equally under this subsection, and if the last available funding is at issue, provide assistance to the applicant who has previously received the lower (or lowest) per capita assistance under this rule. (c) The assignment of funds to applicants will be made as far as funds are available in order of highest to lowest rank under the ratings criteria.