(a) A provider agency seeking funding pursuant to this Part shall prepare an application on the form prescribed by the commissioner of the Division of Criminal Justice Services. An original and four copies shall be submitted to the contracts unit of the Division of Criminal Justice Services. All applications must have the signed approval of the county executive or his equivalent and be submitted through the criminal justice planner of the county or region. If the county does not have such a planner, it must be submitted through the county executive or an equivalent office. District attorneys may submit applications directly to the Division of Criminal Justice Services upon notification thereof to their respective county executives or criminal justice planners. Only those applications which are totally completed will be considered for funding.

Preference will be given to victim service agencies that provide those services, including but not limited to temporary relocation, changes in employment, transportation to and from court, moving assistance, temporary lodging and support services necessary for the prevention of intimidation and protection of eligible witnesses.

Funds provided to successful applicants under this program shall be used to augment, not to supplant, applicant's current funding for victim assistance or witness protection services.