ADMINISTRATION OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM; ALLOCATION OF FUNDS

(a) The department shall, under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 (Pub.L. No. 97-35) and 24 CFR, Part 570, Subpart I, administer the state's allocation of federal funds provided under the community development block grant nonentitlement program authorized by Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. Section 5301 et seq.). (b) Community development block grant program funds shall be allocated to eligible counties and municipalities under department rules. (c) The department shall give priority to eligible activities in the areas of economic development, community development, and rural health to support workforce development in awarding funding for community development block grant programs. (d) An applicant for a grant, loan, or award under a community development block grant program may appeal a decision of the director by filing an appeal with the commissioner. The commissioner shall hold a hearing on the appeal and render a decision.