Arkansas § 14-305-105 - Application process — Criteria for selection.

§ 14-305-105. Application process — Criteria for selection.

After completing training in best management practices, a county may submit an application to receive funding for an unpaved road project to the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission. The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission shall: Determine which of the proposed unpaved road projects to fund based on the criteria and requirements stated in this chapter; and Create an advisory committee to assist the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission in evaluating applications and determining which proposed unpaved road projects to fund. A county applying for funding for an unpaved road project shall submit an application to the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission that includes the following: A brief description of the maintenance needs to be addressed by the unpaved road project; A cost estimate for the unpaved road project; A proposed work schedule for the unpaved road project; The basis for successful completion of the unpaved road project with citation to the relevant feature contained in subsection (c) of this section; A plan for using best management practices; A description of the unpaved road project site, including without limitation a site map; and Any other information requested by the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission. The proposed unpaved road project shall be located in a watershed area with at least one (1) of the following features, listed in order of priority: An aquatic species that the United States Government has listed as a threatened, endangered, or candidate species; A water body that has been determined to be impaired as a result of turbidity or sediment; A drinking water source; An interstate water body; A species that the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission has declared is of greatest conservation need; An agricultural or pasture land use; or A forestry land use. The proposed unpaved road project shall not include the paving or chipping and sealing of a dirt or gravel road. The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission shall evaluate and prioritize each proposed unpaved road project based on the characteristics of the road contributing to erosion.