(1) After completing training in best management practices, a county may submit an application to receive funding for an unpaved road project to the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission.
(2) The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission shall: Determine which of the proposed unpaved road projects to fund based on the criteria and requirements stated in this chapter; and
(3) Create an advisory committee to assist the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission in evaluating applications and determining which proposed unpaved road projects to fund.
(4) A county applying for funding for an unpaved road project shall submit an application to the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission that includes the following: A brief description of the maintenance needs to be addressed by the unpaved road project;
(5) A cost estimate for the unpaved road project;
(6) A proposed work schedule for the unpaved road project;
(7) The basis for successful completion of the unpaved road project with citation to the relevant feature contained in subsection (c) of this section;
(8) A plan for using best management practices;
(9) A description of the unpaved road project site, including without limitation a site map; and
(10) Any other information requested by the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission.
(11) The proposed unpaved road project shall be located in a watershed area with at least one (1) of the following features, listed in order of priority: An aquatic species that the United States Government has listed as a threatened, endangered, or candidate species;
(12) A water body that has been determined to be impaired as a result of turbidity or sediment;
(13) A drinking water source;
(14) An interstate water body;
(15) A species that the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission has declared is of greatest conservation need;
(16) An agricultural or pasture land use; or
(17) A forestry land use.
(18) The proposed unpaved road project shall not include the paving or chipping and sealing of a dirt or gravel road.
(19) The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission shall evaluate and prioritize each proposed unpaved road project based on the characteristics of the road contributing to erosion.