Section 285.353. Eligibility and documentation required.

Rule 3. (1) An applicant for funding shall complete an  application containing all of the following:

(a)    A clear description of a proposed project or projects stating how the project is designed to establish, retain, expand, attract, or develop value-added agricultural processing and  related   agricultural  production operations in this state.

(b)    Documentation that the applicant or its designated business venture has been established according to state law, is in good standing, and is not in default of any federal, state, or local taxes.

(c)  Measurable outcomes of the project. All jobs that are created or retained shall be clearly a direct result of the project. The expected impact of the project on the local economy shall be identified.

(d)  Documentation of guaranteed matching funds shall be provided.

(e)   A record or portion of a record, material, or  other   data  received, prepared, used, or retained in connection with an application to, or with a project or product assisted by, a grant that relates to financial   or proprietary information submitted by the applicant that is considered by the applicant and acknowledged by the review panel as confidential shall not be subject to the disclosure requirements of the freedom of information  act, 1976 PA 442, MCL 15.231 to 15.246.

(2) The director shall authorize department staff and members of the joint evaluation committee to sign and abide by confidentiality statements for trade secrets or commercial or financial information voluntarily provided to the department by applicants upon a promise of confidentiality as authorized by the director, and is exempt from disclosure under 1976 PA 442, MCL 15.231 et seq.

History: 2002 AACS; 2006 AACS.