(A) An entity seeking a grant for a project that is eligible for funding under section 164.22 of the Revised Code shall submit an application to the natural resources assistance council with geographical jurisdiction over the proposed project area. Entities that are eligible for funding are limited to local political subdivisions and nonprofit organizations. The director of the Ohio public works commission shall develop the form of the application and shall provide application forms to each council. The application shall require at least all of the following:

(1) An identification of the local political subdivision or nonprofit organization that is responsible for the execution and completion of the proposed project;

(2) A detailed description of the proposed project;

(3) An identification of the areas that are proposed to be protected, restored, preserved, or constructed;

(4) Detailed information concerning the practices and procedures that will be undertaken to complete the project;

(5) A formal detailed estimate of the project's cost;

(6) The amount and nature of the moneys or resources to be used as matching funds for the project. Matching funds shall constitute not less than twenty-five per cent of the total cost of the project and may consist of contributions of money by any person, any local political subdivision, or the federal government or of contributions in-kind by such parties through the purchase or donation of equipment, land, easements, labor, or materials necessary to complete the project.

(7) An identification of any participation by state agencies that may have expertise regarding the particular project and that may provide assistance with respect to the project;

(8) Information concerning the coordination of the project among local political subdivisions, state agencies, federal agencies, community organizations, conservation organizations, and local business groups;

(9) Information about any coordination that the project will have with projects being undertaken under the jurisdiction of other natural resources assistance councils throughout the state under sections 164.20 to 164.27 of the Revised Code or with projects being undertaken under sections 122.65 to 122.658 of the Revised Code;

(10) Information about public participation in the planning and execution of the project;

(11) Information about whether the general public will be given access to the project area upon the completion of the project;

(12) A timetable for completion of the proposed project.

(B) In addition to the application required under division (A) of this section, an applicant for a grant for a project shall include with the application all of the following:

(1) Except as otherwise provided in division (C) of this section, a copy of a resolution supporting the project from each county in which the proposed project is to be conducted and whichever of the following is applicable:

(a) If the proposed project is to be conducted wholly within the geographical boundaries of one township, a copy of a resolution supporting the project from the township;

(b) If the proposed project is to be conducted wholly within the geographical boundaries of one municipal corporation, a copy of a resolution supporting the project from the municipal corporation;

(c) If the proposed project is to be conducted in more than one, but fewer than five townships or municipal corporations, a copy of a resolution supporting the project from at least one-half of the total number of townships and municipal corporations in which the proposed project is to be conducted;

(d) If the proposed project is to be conducted in five or more townships or municipal corporations, a copy of a resolution supporting the project from at least three-fifths of the total number of townships and municipal corporations in which the proposed project is to be conducted.

However, if the applicant is a county and the proposed project is to be located wholly within the geographical boundaries of the county, the applicant shall not be required to include a copy of a resolution from any township or municipal corporation. If the applicant is a municipal corporation and the proposed project is to be located wholly within the geographical boundaries of the municipal corporation, the applicant shall not be required to include a copy of a resolution from the county in which it is located. If the applicant is a township and the proposed project is to be located wholly within the geographical boundaries of the township, the applicant shall not be required to include a copy of a resolution from the county in which it is located.

(2) Documentation that demonstrates that the applicant has the capacity, financial or otherwise, to complete the project for which the grant is sought and to provide any necessary ongoing maintenance of the project;

(3) Documentation that indicates compliance with division (A) of section 164.26 of the Revised Code related to the long-term ownership or control of the property that is the subject of the grant application.

(C) Prior to submitting an application for a grant for a project under this section, an applicant that is a park district or other similar park authority shall consult with the legislative authority of each county, township, and municipal corporation in which the proposed project will be located.

(D) Upon receipt of an application under division (A) of this section and the information required under division (B) of this section, a council may request additional information concerning the proposed project to which the application and information apply. Upon receiving such a request, the entity proposing the project shall provide the additional information requested.

Effective Date: 05-30-2002.