Can a municipality or group of municipalities apply on behalf of regional planning authorities/organization?
No, it would be inconsistent with N.J.A.C. 7:27D-4.1 for municipalities to apply for a grant on behalf of the regional planning organization. Since the rule expressly requires the applicant to be a local government unit, it would be problematic to apply on behalf of a different type of entity, and then pass the grant through to that entity, even if for an appropriate purpose. Municipalities can sign/apply for the grant on their own behalf, and then “hire” or contract with the regional planning organization to perform the project, acting in a capacity similar to that of a contractor for the municipalities. To comply with the rule, the municipalities would have to apply for the grant on their own behalf, accept the grant money and account for its expenditure. The payment mechanism thus would be similar to that which would be used if the municipalities hired a private contractor.
