Section 810.70  Grant Award Determination

a)         Phase 1 determinations of eligibility and maximum funding amounts will be awarded by the Department to grantees following a merit review by the Department and pursuant to the GATA requirements within 44 Ill. Adm. Code 7000.350.

1)         Phase 1 applicants will be designated eligible if they submit a complete application and provide the factual information detailed in Section 810.60(a)(1)(B).

2)         Phase 1 applicants shall be approved for maximum funding amounts based on employment reduction levels and the loss of property taxes or PILOT revenue corresponding with the closure or reduction of operations of the fossil fuel power plant or coal mine. When more than one local government entity is included in an application, this amount will be calculated for each distinct entity and then aggregated across those entities.

b)         Following a determination of eligibility and maximum funding amounts described in subsection (a), final funding amounts will be established after a merit review of the Phase 2 applications described in Section 810.60(a)(2).  The funding determinations will be based on the evaluation of project details described in the Notice of Funding Opportunity, including, but not limited to:

1)         A detailed description of the project, including, but not limited to:

A)        For proposed capital projects, how the project addresses a current deficiency and/or supports economic development in the community; and

B)        For proposed non-capital projects, what eligibility factors are used for participants in the proposed project, how the project will be staffed, and plans for outreach to underserved populations.

2)         The proposed process for developing and implementing the project, including details regarding:

A)        Project administration, implementation, outreach, and participation eligibility as applicable;

B)        A timeline for implementation of the project; and

C)        Metrics to assess the impact of the project and interim goals of the project.

3)         Demonstration of the completion of required stakeholder engagement, including but not limited to:

A)        Community input, by hosting at least one public meeting in which proposed use of Energy Transition Community Grant funds was on the agenda; and

B)        Requesting input or feedback regarding the use of Energy

Transition Community Grant funds from the following stakeholders: regional planning councils, where applicable; economic development organizations; low-income or environmental justice communities; educational institutions; elected and appointed officials; organizations representing workers; and other relevant organizations. (See 20 ILCS 735/10-20(h).)

c)         Approved applicants meeting the criteria described in Section 810.60(b) shall receive grants in proportional shares of $15 per kilogram of spent nuclear fuel stored at such a facility, less any payments made to such communities from the federal government based on the amount of waste stored at a decommissioned nuclear plant and any property tax payments. [20 ILCS 735/10-20(j)]