1. Planning grants.__In evaluating and ranking an application for a planning grant, the review panel established under section 6208 shall consider whether the technical assistance and facilitation for which assistance is sought is reasonably likely to result in development and subsequent submission of a proposal for a qualifying project; the projected estimate of the aggregate reduction in the demand for property tax revenue; and other related factors in accordance with a request for proposals issued by the department under section 6209.

2.__Cooperative services grants.__In evaluating and ranking each application for a cooperative services grant, the review panel established under section 6208 shall consider the aggregate reduction in the demand for property tax revenue in the geographical region covered by the municipalities, counties and regional government subdivisions cooperating in the qualifying project, the chance of success of the project and the ability to replicate the efficiency achieved by the project in other regions; and other related factors in accordance with a request for proposals issued by the department under section 6209.

§6208. Review panel; review and decision on grant applications

1.__Composition of review panel.__A review panel is established consisting of the following members:

A.__The Director of the State Planning Office within the Executive Department or the director's designee;

B.__The commissioner or the commissioner's designee;

C.__A representative of the Department of Economic and Community Development, appointed by the Governor;

D.__One representative of a county or regional government subdivision recommended by a statewide organization representing counties or regional service providers, appointed by the Governor;

E.__Two representatives of municipal government, recommended by the Maine Municipal Association, who currently serve or formerly served as municipal officers or chief administrative officials of municipalities, with one representing a rural community with a population of less than 4,000 and one representing a suburban community with a population of 4,000 or more, appointed by the Governor; and