(1) Applications for growth management planning and environmental review funds shall be filed with the department.

(2) The department will specify the form and manner of application and will set the date and time for receipt of applications.

(3) Applications shall be filed in the form, manner and time specified by the department. Failure of an applicant to make application in the specified form, manner and time will cause the applicant to be ineligible for grant funds.

(4) Applications for grant funds shall contain a detailed strategy, budget, and timeline for meeting the department's application requirements.

(5) The department will review each application for eligibility under the criteria specified in WAC 365-200-030.

(6) In awarding grants, the department may consider:

(a) An applicant's ability and intent to develop an integrated planning process that will have applicability to jurisdictions with similar characteristics;

(b) A geographic balance of communities;

(c) A balance of urban and rural communities;

(d) A variety of permit processes;

(e) Diversity in population; or

(f) Other criteria that the department considers advisable.

(7) Applicants will be notified in writing of the department's decisions on grants.

(8) The department may offer a contract to an applicant with such reasonable terms and conditions as the department may determine.