(a) Except as set forth in Section 17052, on and after November 4, 1998, the board shall only approve and fund school facilities construction projects pursuant to Chapter 12.5 (commencing with Section 17070.10).

(b) A school district with a first priority project that has received a construction approval by the Department of General Services, Division of the State Architect, or a joint-use project approval by the board, prior to November 4, 1998, for growth or modernization pursuant to this chapter shall receive funding pursuant to this chapter for all unfunded approved project costs as it would have received under this chapter, and the increased capacity assigned to the project shall be included in calculating the district’s capacity pursuant to Chapter 12.5 (commencing with Section 17070.10). Funds received for projects described in this subdivision shall constitute the state’s final and full contribution to these projects. The board shall not consider additional project funding except when otherwise authorized under Chapter 12.5 (commencing with Section 17070.10).

(c) A school district with a second priority project that has received a construction approval by the Department of General Services, Division of the State Architect prior to November 4, 1998, for growth or modernization pursuant to this chapter shall elect to do either of the following:

(1) Withdraw the application under this chapter, submit an initial report and application pursuant to Chapter 12.5 (commencing with Section 17070.10), and receive per pupil allocations as set forth in Chapter 12.5 (commencing with Section 17070.10). If the district withdraws the application, any funds previously allocated under this chapter for the project shall be offset from the first grant to the district under Chapter 12.5 (commencing with Section 17070.10).

(2) Convert the second priority project approved under this chapter to a first priority status and receive funds in accordance with this chapter.

(d) Notwithstanding priorities established pursuant to Chapter 12.5 (commencing with Section 17070.10), projects authorized for funding as set forth in this section shall be funded by the board pursuant to this chapter prior to funding other projects pursuant to Chapter 12.5 (commencing with Section 17070.10).

(e) For purposes of funding priority for modernization grants under Chapter 12.5 (commencing with Section 17070.10), a district that applies under subdivision (b) or paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) shall retain its original project approval date.

(f) Notwithstanding Section 17017.1, West Contra Costa Unified School District shall be eligible for state facilities funds beginning November 4, 1998.

(g) The State Allocation Board shall adopt regulations to ensure that an appropriate offset is made from funds approved pursuant to this chapter, for funds awarded to school districts pursuant to Chapter 12 (commencing with Section 17000) prior to November 4, 1998.

(Amended by Stats. 2000, Ch. 753, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2001.)