Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 413-8-1-.09

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through November 21, 2024

Rule 413-8-1-.09 - Rating and Selection Criteria

Criteria	Points
Threshold Requirements	0
Demographics	100
Feasibility	120
Impact	110
Strategy	110
Regional Bonus	100
Total Available Points	540

(1) Threshold Requirements (In order to be rated and reviewed, an application must meet all threshold requirements identified below):

a. The application is from an eligible applicant;

b. The project takes place within a rural county OR a county with a population of less than 500,000 that shares a border with a rural county which has endorsed the project and also demonstrates sufficient quantifiable public benefit (as defined in Section 413-08.07(7)) to the rural county to qualify as a regional application;

c. (Reserved);

d. The proposed use of funds are for eligible projects and will be carried out in a manner consistent with the state constitution, state law and in accordance with the applicant's (or sub-recipient's) enabling legislation and authority; and

e. The proposed projects are consistent with local and regional plans developed under the provisions of the Georgia Planning Act and the Service Delivery Strategies developed in accordance with O.C.G.A. 36-70-08et seq.

f. The proposed projects are consistent with the minimum recommendations for the applicant's airport as contained in the 2001 Georgia State Aviation System Plan, and meet all applicable state and federal aviation regulations.

(2) Demographics (100 Points Maximum): On an annual basis, demographic scores will be calculated for each county in the state. For purposes of assigning a demographic score for applications submitted by multiple applicants or an authority made up of multiple entities, the highest score from the group of counties which has endorsed the project or are members of the regional authority will be used. Applications will be rated and scored against each of the following demographic factors as calculated by the Department of Community Affairs using the most recent population, poverty and income estimates:

a. Demographic Need - total population: Counties will be compared in terms of their total population level. Counties with a population less than 10,000 will receive 45 points. Counties with a population between 10,000 and 19,999 will receive 35 points. Counties with a population between 20,000 and 29,999 will receive 30 points. Counties with a population between 30,000 and 39,999 will receive 25 points and counties over 40,000 in population will receive 20 points.

b. Demographic Need - percent of people in poverty: Counties will be compared in terms of the percentage of population below the poverty level. Counties with an overall poverty rate of 20% or greater shall receive 40 points. For counties with a poverty rate less than 20%, scores will be obtained by dividing each county's percentage of persons in poverty by the highest percentage of persons in poverty of any applicant in the group and multiplying by 40.

c. Demographic Need - per capita income: Counties will be compared in terms of their per capita income. Scores will be obtained by dividing each County's per capita income into the lowest per capita income of any county in the group and multiplying by 15.

(3) Project Feasibility (120 Points Maximum) Applications will be awarded "feasibility" points according to the following scale: poor: 0.0 points; below average: 30.0 points; average: 60.0 points; good: 90.0 points; excellent: 120 points. The criteria outlined detailed in 413-08.09(3) a.-h. will determine where on the "Feasibility" Scale an application ranks:

a. The description of the proposed project and activities are clearly described and documented;

b. The project will generate positive net public benefits as quantified by an acceptable public cost-benefit analysis, model or methodology; or a minimum of five letters of intent from potential users of the airport that represent entities which are significant employers and investors within the area.

c. The responsibilities for carrying out each activity are clearly ascribed to a participating entity and each entity has firmly committed in writing to carry out its part;

d. Project readiness concerns are addressed as applicable:

i) engineering/architectural/environmental,

ii) infrastructure/utility access issues,

iii) specific investment commitments,

iv) commitments to fund operations/maintenance, etc.;

v) other public and private sector investors are committed and ready to invest,

vi) all needed real property is acquired or under option,

vii) environmental, regulatory and liability concerns addressed (phase 1, government permits, etc.),

viii) administrative capacity is adequate, and

ix) (soft projects) professional service providers have adequate credentials and work history, etc.;

e. For regional projects, provisions are in place for joint ownership and revenue or cost sharing;

f. Underwriting analysis (as applicable) has determined that the:

i) organizational status of benefiting entity is documented and reputable;

ii) development entity's performance and standing is secure in the following areas: capital management, debt capacity, management character and experience, collateral value, economic and market conditions;

iii) development entity's proposed development or business plan uses reasonable assumptions;

iv) development entity's proposed development team (developer, contractor, property managers, syndicator, etc.) has a successful record of accomplishment; and

v) proposed business plan, marketing strategy and proforma are realistic; and

vi) the development entity will be able to repay the OneGeorgia assistance (as applicable);

g. Project costs are verified through original source documents, architectural and engineering reports, or certified appraisals; and

h. Applicant certifies that project complies (or will comply) with all applicable federal, state, and local law and regulations.

(4) Project Impact (110 Points Maximum) Applications will be awarded "Impact" points according to the following scale: poor: 0.0 points; below average: 27.5 points; average: 55.0 points; good: 82.5 points; excellent: 110.0 points. In order to determine where on the "impact" scale a project ranks the following criteria will be analyzed:

a. The number and quality of jobs to be created or retained;

b. The percent increase in corporate flight operations, based aircraft and sale of aviation goods and services at the project airport.

c. The amount of new private leverage and/or investment;

d. The amount of new and/or retained taxes to be generated; and

e. The improvement of regional competitiveness through the project's implementation;

(5) Program Strategy (110 Points Maximum) Applications will be awarded "Strategy" points according to the following scale: poor: 0.0 points; below average: 27.5 points; average: 55.0 points; good: 82.5 points; excellent: 110.0 points. In order to determine where on the "strategy" scale a project ranks the following criteria will be analyzed:

a. The proposed project will increase the accessibility of the community by developing new capacity for the area's corporate and general aviation fleet. In general, the proposed project should serve at least 85% of the area's corporate aircraft fleet.

b. The proposed project is likely to lead to indirect local and regional impact by:

i) attracting related development/investment;

ii) supporting/enhancing local or regional development strategies and priorities; and

iii) supporting/enhancing local or regional institutions and quality of life;

c. Financial and programmatic alternatives have been considered for the proposed project and eliminated or leveraged;

d. The proposed project supports the overall objectives of the OneGeorgia Authority and supports the state's development strategy for:

i) rural development;

ii) targeted industries and sectors;

iii) tourism development;

iv) environmental preservation; and

v) regional impact;

e. For non-construction projects, no similar studies, plans or documents have been produced in the last ten years, and if they have, they have been used to the extent possible and/or are in need of updating or expanding; and

f. The project represents an innovative approach to the development and retention of employment opportunities in rural Georgia.

(6) Regional Bonus (Maximum of 100 Points): Applications will be awarded regional bonus points and can receive larger grant amounts as described in section 413-08-.10(1) based upon a project's demonstration of significant and quantifiable regional cooperation or impact using the criteria outlined below:

a. "Regional Cooperation" (60 Points)-The proposed project is a regional initiative that evidences either:

a) significant multi-jurisdictional cooperation through ownership by a development authority comprised of multiple jurisdictions or two or more counties; or

b) a revenue and cost sharing agreement or other intergovernmental agreement by two or more counties; or

c) a revenue and cost sharing agreement or other intergovernmental agreement by multiple jurisdictions that results in regional impacts, benefits, or service delivery and/or;

b. "Regional Impact" (40 points)-The proposed project will result in significant and quantifiable public benefits and impacts in multiple rural counties. The benefits must meet or exceed one of the following thresholds:

a) a substantial net increase in employment or employment opportunities (with BEST qualified jobs);

b) a substantial net increase in the tax-base or opportunities for public revenue generation;

c) a substantial increase in business incubation and development opportunities.

(7) The criteria in this rule (413-08.07) are designed to assist the OneGeorgia Authority and/or its agent in making a decision and only constitute minimum standards. Additional factors may be considered depending on the nature of particular projects and their relative merit compared to competing proposals and depending on the availability of funding at the time of application. The decisions made by the OneGeorgia Authority shall be final and conclusive.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 413-8-1-.09

O.C.G.A. Sec. 50-34-8et seq.

Original grant description entitled "Rating and Selection Criteria" submitted October 19, 2006.