(a) In this section, “economically distressed area” and “political subdivision” have the meanings assigned by § 17.921.
(b) The board may enter into contracts with a political subdivision to pay from the research and planning fund all or part of the cost of facility engineering in economically distressed areas, including preparation of plans and specifications.

(c) The selection process used by a political subdivision to procure engineering services necessary for facility engineering is subject to review by and approval of the executive administrator. The executive administrator may assist a political subdivision in the selection of the provider of engineering services necessary for facility engineering in economically distressed areas.
(d) The board shall adopt rules governing the procurement of facility engineering services by a political subdivision awarded funds under this subchapter and may adopt other rules necessary to carry out the board’s powers and duties under this subchapter.
(e) A political subdivision that desires money from the research and planning fund for facility engineering in an economically distressed area shall submit a written application to the board in the manner and form required by board rules.
(f) The application shall include:
(1) the name of the political subdivision;
(2) a citation to the laws under which the political subdivision was created and is operating;
(3) the amount requested from the board for facility engineering in an economically distressed area; and
(4) any other information required by the board in its rules or specifically requested by the board.
(g) After notice and hearing, the board may award the applicant all or part of the requested funds that are considered necessary by the board for the political subdivision to carry out adequate facility engineering in an economically distressed area.
(h) If the board grants an application under this section and awards funds for facility engineering in an economically distressed area, the board shall enter into a contract with the political subdivision that includes:
(1) a detailed statement of the purpose for which the money is to be used;
(2) the total amount of money to be paid from the research and planning fund under the contract; and
(3) any other terms and conditions required by board rules or agreed to by the contracting parties.
(i) Repealed by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 927, Sec. 15, eff. September 1, 2005.
(j) If the board determines that planning activities undertaken by a political subdivision for which the board has committed funds under this subchapter have been inadequate or not completed in a timely manner, the board may terminate the contract with the political subdivision and on behalf of and in consultation with the political subdivision may perform or contract for facility engineering in the economically distressed area.