A. Sponsors shall apply to the commission for project approval.
B. A sponsor's application shall include:
(1) a comprehensive work plan;
(2) a complete project cost estimate;
(3) the number of corps members required; and
(4) the estimated time necessary to complete the project.
C. The commission shall examine the following in considering a project for approval or rejection:
(1) the opportunities the project provides in the development of skills, discipline and good work habits;
(2) the degree of difficulty in carrying out the project;
(3) the project's compliance with conservation and community service objectives, as set forth in Section 4 [ 9-5B-4 NMSA 1978] of the New Mexico Youth Conservation Corps Act;
(4) the sponsor's ability to contribute the necessary financial and human resources to the project; and
(5) the project's compatibility with concurrent corps projects, including the availability of the required corps work force.
D. A project shall not be approved if its implementation would result in the displacement of currently employed workers, including a partial displacement, such as reduction in hours or benefits. Participating sponsors shall not terminate, lay off or reduce the working hours of any employee in order to use a corps member to perform the employee's duties.