87-5-804. Wildlife habitat improvement projects -- ranking. (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.