(1) The commission will evaluate each petition for a project involving grade crossing signals or other warning devices at a public crossing when it is filed. The commission will evaluate projects in other categories after the deadline specified in a call for grant applications. When evaluating projects, the commission may perform diagnostic reviews at the site of proposed projects and may inquire about possible revisions to improve the proposal. If the applicant modifies the grant application in response to commission inquiries, the commission will consider the application in its modified form.

(2) The commission will consider grant applications at regularly scheduled open meetings. Any interested person may speak at the open meeting regarding the grant applications.

(a) The commission will award a grant for a project involving grade crossing signals or other warning devices at a public crossing if funds are available and the commission determines that the public safety requires the project. The commission will consider the severity of the hazard addressed by the project and the safety benefits expected to be achieved.

(b) The commission will award grants to projects in other categories that, in the commission’s judgment, will achieve the greatest gains in safety relative to their cost. The commission will consider the relative severity of the hazard being addressed in each application, the safety benefits expected to be achieved by the proposed projects, the costs of implementing each project, the likelihood that the applicant can complete the project, and whether the applicant coordinated with and sought approval from the relevant local agency and railroad. The commission may also consider geographic diversity. The commission may condition an award on an amendment of the application regarding the requested level of funding, the suggested time limit for completion of the grant project, and any other proposed term or condition.