<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".04" citation="COMAR 05.13.06.04" title_num="05" subtitle_num="13" chapter_num="06" heading="Food Desert Designation Application Processing.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Application Evaluation.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Each application shall be submitted to the Department to determine whether all of the information required under Regulation .03 of this chapter is contained in the application.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Upon receipt of all required information, the Department shall:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Convene the Advisory Committee to:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Review applications;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>Provide assistance and guidance to applicants; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(iii)">
          <text>Make recommendations to the Secretary;</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Refer the application to other State agencies for comment, as the Department considers appropriate;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Consider any recommendation from a State unit; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Analyze each application to determine whether the proposed food desert merits designation.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>The Advisory Committee or the Department may request additional information from the applicant concerning an application, including oral presentations.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Upon completion of the requirements in §A(1)—(3) of this regulation, the Advisory Committee shall make a recommendation on the application to the Secretary after considering the:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Availability of fresh fruit, vegetables, and other healthy foods in the area;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Income levels of local residents;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Transportation needs of local residents and the availability of public transportation;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Comments from local governments and other State agencies; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(e)">
        <text>Any other factors that the Advisory Committee considers relevant.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Upon receipt of the recommendation from the Advisory Committee, the Secretary may request additional information from the applicant concerning the application, including oral presentations.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>