(a) Before allocating moneys pursuant to this article, the agency shall develop and adopt project solicitation and evaluation guidelines.
(b) The guidelines may include monitoring and reporting requirements, a limit on the dollar amount of grant awards, and other requirements, including eligibility requirements.
(c) The guidelines shall encourage, where feasible, inclusion of the following project components:
(1) Efficient use of water supplies and other natural resources.
(2) Protection and preservation of habitat.
(3) Mitigation of dust or other human health hazards.
(4) Protection of tribal cultural resources.
(5) Operation and maintenance of built infrastructure.
(6) Access and inclusion of underserved or underrepresented communities in public processes.
(d) Before adopting the guidelines, the agency shall consult with tribes and hold two public meetings to consider tribal input and public comments.
(e) Before holding a public meeting related to the guidelines, the agency shall publish a draft of the guidelines on its internet website.
(f) All public meetings related to the guidelines shall be conducted in the vicinity of the Salton Sea.
(g) The secretary shall cause to be posted, in an electronic form, the adopted guidelines on the agency’s internet website.
(h) Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code does not apply to the development and adoption of the guidelines.