§1519. Retroactive authority.

(a) Date of project.--Financial assistance may be awarded under this chapter by the department with reference to an appropriate project irrespective of when it was first commenced or considered and regardless of whether costs with respect to the project were incurred prior to the time the financial assistance is applied for or provided.

(b) Capital projects.--

(1) For capital projects, the applicant must obtain written approval from the department prior to incurring any expenses for which the applicant may later seek reimbursement.

(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), approval by the department shall not constitute an approval of the applicant's underlying request for financial assistance.

(3) By providing preapproval under this subsection, the department may recognize any local funds already expended as satisfying the local match requirement if and when the applicant's application is approved.