GRANT PROCEDURES AND CRITERIA.

(a) The commission shall establish specific criteria and procedures in order to implement and administer the program, including the creation and provision of application forms and guidance on the application process.

(b) The commission shall award a grant through a contract between the commission and the grant recipient.

(c) The commission shall provide an online application process for the submission of all required application documents.

(d) The commission may limit funding for a particular period according to priorities established by the commission, including limiting the availability of grants to specific entities, for certain types of vehicles and infrastructure, or to certain geographic areas to ensure equitable distribution of grant funds across the state.

(e) In awarding grants under the program, the commission shall prioritize projects in the following order:

(1) projects that are proposed by a state agency;

(2) projects that are in or near a nonattainment area;

(3) projects that are in an affected county, as that term is defined by Section 386.001; and

(4) projects that will produce the greatest emissions reductions.

(f) In addition to the requirements under Subsection (e), in awarding grants under the program, the commission shall consider:

(1) the total amount of the emissions reduction that would be achieved from the project;

(2) the type and number of vehicles purchased or leased;

(3) the location of the fleet and the refueling infrastructure or equipment;

(4) the number of vehicles served and the rate at which vehicles are served by the refueling infrastructure or equipment;

(5) the amount of any matching funds committed by the applicant; and

(6) the schedule for project completion.

(g) The commission may not award more than 10 percent of the total amount awarded under the program in any fiscal year for purchasing, leasing, installing, or procuring refueling infrastructure, equipment, or services.