§ 486. Comprehensive grant information. 1. The office shall request
such specific information as the director determines to be necessary
concerning assistance programs and grants administered by federal, state
and local agencies, individuals and corporations designed to enhance
rural areas. Such information shall be used to advise local agencies,
individuals or corporations for the purpose of promoting coordination in
program or grant efforts wherever feasible or proper.

2. Any applicant requesting program grants or assistance in order to
address rural development and revitalization needs, conditions or
strengths in rural areas may, pursuant to the rules of the director,
confer with the office to obtain assistance in the prompt and efficient
processing and review of applications.

3. The office shall, so far as possible, render such assistance; and
the director may designate an officer or employee of the office to act
as an expeditor for the purpose of:

(a) Facilitating contacts for the applicant with state, federal, or
local agencies, individuals or corporations responsible for processing
and reviewing grant applications;

(b) Arranging conferences to clarify the interest and requirements of
any such agency, individual or corporation with respect to grant
applications;

(c) Considering with the agency, individual or corporation the
feasibility of consolidating hearings and data required of the
applicant;

(d) Assisting the applicant in the resolution of outstanding issues
identified by the agency, individual or corporation, including delays
experienced in application review; and

(e) Coordinating federal, state and local grant application review
actions and assistance programs to the extent practicable.