22-3-1306. Priorities for funding -- rulemaking. (1) The department of commerce shall make recommendations for grants awarded under the historic preservation grant program to eligible entities for the preservation of historic sites, historical societies, or history museums in the state.

(2) Projects funded under this section must provide that a significant portion of the facility be open to public access and use. Projects that confer only a private benefit are not eligible.

(3) The recommendations must be based on competitive criteria created by the department, as guided by the legislature. The criteria may include:

(a) the degree of economic stimulus or economic activity, including job creation and work creation for Montana contractors and service workers;

(b) the purpose of the project, including whether it provides features that establish or enhance security, climate control, or fire protection for museums or address infrastructure, maintenance, or building code issues;

(c) the timing of the project, including access to matching funds, if needed, and approval of permits so that work can be completed without delay;

(d) the historic or heritage value related to the state of Montana;

(e) the successful track record or experience of the organization directing the project;

(f) the expected ongoing economic benefit to the state as a result of the project completion;

(g) the degree of local contribution to the project; and

(h) the anticipated public benefit, including the extent the site or building will be open to the public and the degree of immediate facility use after project completion.

(4) The department of commerce shall adopt rules necessary to implement the historic preservation grant program. In adopting rules, the department shall look to the rules adopted for the Montana coal endowment program, the cultural and aesthetic grant program, and other similar state programs. To the extent feasible, the department shall make the rules compatible with those other programs.