(1) The council shall rank wildlife habitat improvement project proposals pursuant to 87-5-806 and according to rules adopted by the department pursuant to 87-5-808 and make funding recommendations to the department.
(2) In ranking the projects, the council shall give preference to projects in wildlife habitat that include:
(a) public access;
(b) the number of project partners involved; and
(c) the amount of additional funding provided to carry out a project.
(3) Factors providing for preference under subsection (2) may not be considered mandatory.