Section 3070.60  Project Evaluation Priorities

The following factors are used by the Department in evaluating and recommending local project applications for funding consideration. These priorities are listed in this Section and also available in the Department's PARC Local Participation Grant Manual (available from Illinois Department of Natural Resources Division of Grant Administration, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield IL 62702-1271).  Department grant staff, in consultation with executive and appropriate resource staff, review all applications in accordance with the established evaluation criteria in this Section.  Department grant staff recommendations are forwarded to the Director for PARC grant approval.

a)         Statewide Local Needs Assessment – 55%

1)         useful life of existing facilities and improvements in comparison to the Department's schedule of Useful Life of Park and Recreation Facilities;

2)         address public health and safety needs;

3)         sponsor has high economic need;

4)         correct accessibility deficiencies as defined by the Americans With Disabilities Act (42 USC 12101);

5)         projects that provide the greatest benefit in terms of cost per capita within the applicant's jurisdictional boundaries; and

6)         land acquisition.

b)         Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Priorities – 10%

Projects are evaluated in terms of their ability to address major outdoor recreation and conservation issues identified by the Department in its Statewide Outdoor Recreation Plan.  These include, but are not limited to, natural area and wetland preservation, protection of endangered/threatened species and critical habitat resources, conservation education, creation of greenways and long distance trail corridors, water-based recreation, recreation for disadvantaged populations and adaptive re-use/redevelopment of urban lands, including brownfields.

c)         Project Concept and Site Characteristics – 15%

The project proposal is evaluated in terms of the site's physical and aesthetic qualities, including accessibility; soil, topographic and hydrologic characteristics; site vegetation; compatibility with adjacent land uses; environmental intrusion on the site; impacts to cultural and natural resources; suitability for the construction of a new building, structure or facility; and the overall recreational diversity provided by the project. Consideration is also given for the use of recycled materials, composting, water or resource-conservancy materials, methods, products or practices.

d)         Local Planning – 10%

The major consideration under this criterion is public support and input into the project plan and existence of a comprehensive local recreation and/or open space plan identifying the proposed project as a priority.  Consideration is also given for unique recreational opportunities not specifically identified in a local plan but having documented widespread public support.

e)         Other Considerations – 10%

Relevant factors considered in evaluating the overall merits of a project and need for funding include projects located in inner-urban areas; involving land acquisitions of a time-sensitive nature; proposing initial site development; involving private donations; representing economic revitalization efforts; or from applicants not previously benefitting from PARC assistance.

f)         Penalty Factors

Consideration is given to the applicant's past performance in completing open space lands acquisition and development (OSLAD) or other Department grant projects or unresolved project violations and the ability to properly maintain the project site.