(1) The allowable reasons for not awarding a grant are:

(a) ineligible applicant or application;

(b) higher scoring applicants receive funding;

(c) lack of remaining funding;

(d) failure to provide the 10% match; or

(e) granting authority ends.

(2) Any applicant may dispute the denial of an application for a grant. The applicant must submit in writing a letter appealing the decision to the director of the Montana Department of Transportation within 30 days of the applicant receiving notification of the department's decision. The director will conduct a review of the process and funding decision. A decision will be issued by the Montana Department of Transportation based on the director's findings. That decision will be the final agency decision.