(a) In the case of a proposal for Economic Development Skills Training Program assistance which is not in excess of $25,000, the commissioner shall obtain the recommendation of the appropriate regional office of the department, evaluate the proposal in accordance with the evaluation criteria set forth in section 30.4 of this Part and determine whether such application shall be approved.

(b) In the case of a proposal for Economic Development Skills Training Program assistance which exceeds $25,000, the commissioner shall obtain the recommendation of the appropriate regional office of the department and shall forward the proposal to the Interagency Review Committee for its recommendation. The commissioner may consult with such other State agencies, authorities, boards or commissions as he deems appropriate. Upon receipt of such recommendations, the commissioner shall evaluate the proposal in accordance with the evaluation criteria set forth in section 30.4 of this Part and determine whether such application shall be approved. In the event the Interagency Review Committee fails to make a recommendation to the commissioner within 30 days after receiving a proposal, the commissioner may determine whether such application shall be approved notwithstanding the failure of the Interagency Review Committee to act.

(c) The commissioner shall insure that determinations on proposals are made in such manner that at least 50 percent of the money available for the purposes of the Economic Development Skills Training Program shall be expended to assist small businesses.

(d) The commissioner shall insure that determinations on proposals are made in such manner that at least 50 percent of the money available for the Economic Development Skills Training Program shall be expended to assist targeted individuals, or to provide skills upgrading for currently employed individuals which will result in the creation of new jobs which will be filled by targeted individuals.

(e) The department shall notify an applicant in writing of the determination made by the commissioner. Notice of an approved proposal shall be transmitted to the applicable private industry council established under the Job Training Partnership Act.