WAC 173-98-210. The department's responsibilities

(1) A general funding cycle schedule is provided in Figure 1.

(2) In general, the department will provide the following services, although modifications may be made to accommodate legislative schedules and requirements:

(a) Make available the application and applicable guidelines before the associated funding cycle begins;

(b) Conduct application workshops that are accessible statewide;

(c) Conduct preapplication workshops to discuss regional level priorities if applicable;

(d) Complete an initial review of project proposals for funding eligibility after the application deadline;

(e) Request other agencies to provide evaluation assistance as needed;

(f) Rate and rank the applications using a consistent scoring system;

(g) Develop a combined Draft Offer and Applicant List and a Draft Intended Use Plan (IUP);

(h) Facilitate a public review and comment period for the combined Draft Offer and Applicant List and Draft IUP ;

(i) Sponsor at least one public meeting to explain the combined Draft Offer List and Applicant List and Draft IUP ;

(j) Develop a combined Final Offer and Applicant List and a Final IUP . Public comments collected during the public review period will be incorporated;

(k) Issue funding decision letters to all applicants; and

(l) Negotiate, develop, and finalize loan agreements.