Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST › Title 137 - NEBRASKA ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST BOARD RULES AND REGULATIONS › Chapter 6 - PROJECT RANKING SYSTEMS › Section 137-6-003 - RANKING FACTORS

Current through June 17, 2024
The Project Ranking Systems shall assign a numeric value to
				  each criterion and combine these values into a total score for each
				  application. Each Ranking System shall include, but is not limited to, criteria
				  to evaluate each application to the extent that the project will accomplish the
				  following:
003.01
HELP THE
				BOARD ATTAIN A GEOGRAPHIC MIX OF PROJECTS OVER TIME.
This does not
				mean that a strict geographic mix will be sought during each funding cycle, but
				that points may be awarded to projects in specific areas if it becomes apparent
				that the area is receiving funding for proportionately fewer projects than
				other areas of the state.
003.02
BE COST EFFECTIVE.
Cost effective shall include, as
				applicable, a comparison of the cost of the project to its expected monetary
				and non-monetary benefits and whether there is another reasonably available
				means of accomplishing the same purpose or purposes more economically. A high
				indirect labor and overhead cost not directly related to the project direct
				costs is less cost effective than one with a low indirect rate or percentage.
				Data shall be provided by the applicant detailing the cost effectiveness of all
				budgeted expenses requested that includes the provided indirect
				rates.
003.03
HAVE
				ECONOMIC IMPACTS.
Economic impacts resulting from the project may
				be realized in increased real property valuations, mitigation of environmental
				hazards to the natural physical and biological environment in Nebraska, an
				improvement of or increase in habitat, increased recreational opportunities,
				and other contributions to the wellbeing of the area affected by the project.
				Data shall be provided by the applicant detailing the proposed economic impacts
				of the project.
003.04
PRODUCE DIRECT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT.
Direct
				environmental impacts are those changes to the natural, physical, and
				biological environment caused by the project occurring at the time and in the
				place the project is carried out.
003.05
PRODUCE ENVIRONMENTAL
				BENEFITS TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC, ESPECIALLY BENEFITS WHICH ARE LONG TERM IN
				NATURE.
A long-term public benefit is defined as public benefits
				lasting in excess of ten (10) years. A project that is intended to extend
				beyond three (3) years in duration and can demonstrate that it can continue
				without NET Board support can be deemed a sustainable general public benefit.
				Projects less than three (3) years in duration must have a defined general
				public benefit listed in the application. Public access can be considered a
				general public benefit.
003.06
PROVIDE A PLAN FOR EVALUATING THE RESULTS OF THE EXPENDITURE OF
				GRANT FUNDS.
An applicant shall provide a baseline measurement,
				the target improvement, and the real time value of the grant investment. The
				project goals, objectives and outcomes shall identify the tangible and
				intangible benefits to the public from achieving the objectives.
003.07
EVALUATE
				PERFORMANCE.
For prior awarded grantees, awarded in the past three
				years looking back from the current application cycle, compliance with previous
				contract terms is required, including that any prior project was completed on
				time, quarterly, annual and final reports were submitted on time, no 15 Day
				Notice for a prior grant contract violation was issued to the grant Sponsor or
				Applicant.