Selection Criteria

(1) The application will be reviewed by the MHC staff and assigned a numerical value for satisfying the following criteria: (a) Level of Significance, with preference given to those projects with state and national significance; (b) Potential for Loss or Destruction of the property, or a significant portion thereof. Priority will be given to those properties which are under immediate threat of loss or partial or complete destruction; (c) Administrative and Financial Management Capabilities evidenced through a clearly articulated and organized application including commitment letters, compliance and authorization forms and willingness to enter into a preservation restriction with the MHC; (d) Appropriateness of Proposed Work consisting of technical information, including a project description, budgetary breakdown, clearly established set of priorities and compliance with Secretary of the Interior's Standards shall be demonstrated in allapplications. The application shall also require outline plans and specifications; (e) Statement of Need encompassing an explanation of financial circumstances including extent of financial hardship, fund-raising efforts and demonstration of the importance of receipt of grant to the successful completion of the project; (f) Extent and Nature of Public Support including support from appropriate users and community leaders as well as evidence that the applicant has approached the local historical commission for comment and consideration; (g) Consistency with Preservation and Revitalization Plans and priorities for development and protection on the state and local levels; (h) Use of Traditional Materials and historically appropriate building techniques; (i) Compliance with Relevant State Laws and Executive Orders, including Local Housing Policies and State Development Assistance (E.O. 215) and Affirmative Action (E.O. 227) when awarding funds to cities and towns; (j) Geographic distribution with consideration given to the size of the project, as well as the city or town; and, (k) First Time Grants in a community will be given additional consideration.