(a)
(1) After completing training in best management practices, a county may submit an application to receive funding for an unpaved road project to the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission.
(2) The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission shall:
(A) Determine which of the proposed unpaved road projects to fund based on the criteria and requirements stated in this chapter; and
(B) Create an advisory committee to assist the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission in evaluating applications and determining which proposed unpaved road projects to fund.
(b) A county applying for funding for an unpaved road project shall submit an application to the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission that includes the following:
(1) A brief description of the maintenance needs to be addressed by the unpaved road project;
(2) A cost estimate for the unpaved road project;
(3) A proposed work schedule for the unpaved road project;
(4) The basis for successful completion of the unpaved road project with citation to the relevant feature contained in subsection (c) of this section;
(5) A plan for using best management practices;
(6) A description of the unpaved road project site, including without limitation a site map; and
(7) Any other information requested by the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission.
(c) The proposed unpaved road project shall be located in a watershed area with at least one (1) of the following features, listed in order of priority:
(1) An aquatic species that the United States Government has listed as a threatened, endangered, or candidate species;
(2) A water body that has been determined to be impaired as a result of turbidity or sediment;
(3) A drinking water source;
(4) An interstate water body;
(5) A species that the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission has declared is of greatest conservation need;
(6) An agricultural or pasture land use; or
(7) A forestry land use.
(d) The proposed unpaved road project shall not include the paving or chipping and sealing of a dirt or gravel road.
(e) The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission shall evaluate and prioritize each proposed unpaved road project based on the characteristics of the road contributing to erosion.