(a) If the Department determines that an entity is capable of administering a food desert project, the entity may originate and administer financial assistance to a food desert project in accordance with standards the Department adopts by regulation.
(b) The Department may:
(1) pay an approved entity a reasonable origination, application, and processing fee for each food desert project that is originated by the approved entity;
(2) directly fund the financial assistance for a food desert project that is originated by an approved entity;
(3) provide financial assistance to an approved entity for the purpose of the approved entity providing financial assistance for a food desert project in accordance with this subtitle; and
(4) (i) provide small loans in amounts that are not more than $50,000 per loan to an approved entity for assistance in providing better access to healthy food in food deserts, including by providing loans for refrigerators, freezers, and other equipment; and
(ii) work with intermediaries to administer the small loans authorized under item (i) of this paragraph.