(a) The Department shall establish two priority lists of projects after each solicitation of proposals. The preferred list (A List) will contain those projects qualifying for highest priority in Section 497.5(b), and the reserve list (B List) all other projects qualified under Section 497.5(a). Within those lists, the Department will prioritize projects on a project value derived from a numeric evaluation of applications as set forth in the grant application form.

(b) To assist in evaluating individual project applications, the Department may consult with the applicant, interested stakeholders, local agencies, State agencies or federal agencies with an interest in or jurisdiction over any of the items listed in Subsection (c).

(c) In establishing the project value, the Department will consider the criteria in Sections IV, V and VI of the grant application form, giving approximately equal weight to each section.