9K-7.009. Project Approval (Transferred)

(1) Following the ranking and selection of Applications described above but prior to approval, the Trust staff shall conduct site visits or other investigations. If such visits or investigations reveal undisclosed facts or erroneous evaluation conclusions, the Trust staff shall adjust the final score and ranking accordingly. The Trust shall impose conditions based on Applicant representations and findings from site visits and other investigations. Applicants will be advised of the conditions prior to Trust approval and completion of the Grant Contract. Any conditions imposed on the Applicant must be met prior to receiving Project Plan approval. Further, the Trust shall have the right to alter the ranking of Applications based on the site visit or investigation findings.

(2) Following the ranking and selection meeting and the Trust staff’s site visits as set forth in subsection 9K-7.009(1), F.A.C., the Trust shall publish a Final Notice of Project Approval and Funding in the Florida Administrative Weekly that shall list all Applications considered and the funding status of each.

(3) If for any reason funds awarded become available prior to the ranking and selection meeting for the next noticed Application cycle, those funds may be committed to the other ranked and approved project(s).

(4) The established time frame for funding approval shall be for a period not to exceed 12 months. Approval shall be evidenced by a fully executed Grant Contract between the Trust and the Recipient. When the established time frame has expired and an approved project has not received Project Plan approval, the project shall be terminated and Trust funds committed to the project shall then be committed to other approved Applications. The Trust may extend the Grant Contract beyond the established timeframe if the Recipient demonstrates that significant progress is being made toward Project Plan approval or that extenuating circumstances warrant an extension of time. All requests for extensions shall be made in writing to the Trust, prior to the expiration of the established timeframe, fully explaining the reason for the delay and why the extension is necessary.

(5) The time period of the Grant Contract and extensions shall not exceed a total of 24 months; unless, however, the Trust extends an Award beyond 24 months when the Recipient demonstrates that significant progress is being made toward closing the project or that extenuating circumstances warrant an extension of time.

(6) The Trust may unilaterally terminate the Grant Contract prior to the established time frame, if it is determined by the Trust that no significant progress is being made toward the Acquisition of the Project Site or other circumstances are present which would, in all likelihood, preclude or prevent the successful Acquisition of the Project Site within the established time frame.

Rulemaking Authority 380.507(11) FS. Law Implemented 259.105, 380.510 FS. History–New 6-25-01, Amended 5-20-02, 2-7-05, 4-6-11.