E. In the case of a downtown improvement grant or loan, the Department of Economic and Community Development affirms that the applicant has met the conditions of this paragraph. A municipality is eligible to receive a downtown improvement grant or loan if that municipality has:

(1) Shown broad-based support for downtown revitalization;

(2) Established a comprehensive downtown revitalization work plan, including a definition and a map of the affected area;

(3) Developed measurable goals and objectives;

(4) Demonstrated an historic preservation ethic;

(5) Established an ongoing board of directors, with associated committees;

(6) Provided an adequate operating budget;

(7) Hired a professional downtown manager;

(8) Established an ongoing training program for staff and volunteers;

(9) Developed the capacity to report on the progress of the downtown program; and

(10) Established the ability and willingness to support integrated marketing efforts for retailers, services, activities and events.

Sec. 3. 30-A MRSA §5953-D, sub-§4-A, as enacted by PL 1999, c. 776, §13, is amended to read:

4-A. Criteria; conditions for downtown improvement grants or loans. The Department of Economic and Community Development, in conjunction with the bank, shall develop criteria and conditions for the award of downtown improvement grants or loans to eligible municipalities after consultation with the state agencies listed in subsection 5 and subject to the requirements of this section. The department shall establish a preference for municipalities