(a) The department, in consultation with community conservation corps, the California Conservation Corps, the commission, regional transportation planning agencies, county transportation commissions or authorities, and congestion management agencies, shall develop criteria that give priority in the selection of projects to the sponsors of eligible projects that partner with, or commit to employ the services of, a community conservation corps or the California Conservation Corp to construct or undertake the project
(b) Regional transportation planning agencies, county transportation commissions or authorities, and congestion management agencies, when selecting candidates for transportation enhancement projects, shall utilize the criteria in subdivision (a) that give priority in the selection of projects to the sponsors of eligible projects that partner with, or commit to employ the services of, a community conservation corps or the California Conservation Corps to construct or undertake the project.