(a)  Not later than March 1, 2001, and each March 1 thereafter, through March 1, 2003, the state board in cooperation with participating districts, and assisted by the commission with regard to projects funded from the Infrastructure Demonstration Program and the Advanced Technology Account, shall publish, and notwithstanding Section 7550.5 of the Government Code, provide the Legislature with, a program report. The report shall describe each covered vehicle project funded by the state board and by districts that have received funds pursuant to this chapter, the amount granted for the project, and the emission reductions obtained and the cost-effectiveness of the project. For projects funded from the Advanced Technology Account, the report shall describe the technical objectives and accomplishments of the project, and the progress of the technology toward commercialization. For projects funded from the Infrastructure Demonstration Program, the report shall describe whether the funding has been critical to supplying qualifying fuel and supporting vehicles that reduce NO x emissions in California, shall include a discussion of demonstration program cost-effectiveness pursuant to subdivision (j) of Section 44284, and shall make a finding as to the need for additional moneys to be appropriated from the fund to the Infrastructure Demonstration Program in order to improve the ability of the program to achieve its goals.

(b)  The report shall detail funds received, funds granted, funds reserved for grants based on project approvals, district matching funds and the sources of those funds, and any recommended transfer of funds between accounts, and shall estimate future demand for grant funds.

(c)  The report shall describe the overall effectiveness of the program in delivering the emission reductions required by air quality plans, including rate of progress plans and milestone and conformity tests, as well as attainment and maintenance plans. The report shall evaluate the effectiveness of the program in soliciting and evaluating project applications, providing awards in a timely manner, and monitoring project implementation. The report shall describe any adjustments made to the project selection criteria and recommend any further needed changes or adjustments to the grant program, including changes in grant award criteria, administrative procedures, or statutory provisions that would enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the grant program.

(d)  The state board shall request comments and hold public meetings on each draft annual report to obtain public comments. The state board shall consider and respond to all significant comments received in producing a final annual report.

(e)  A final annual report shall be published within 90 days from the date of publication of each draft annual report.

(Added by Stats. 1999, Ch. 923, Sec. 2. Effective October 10, 1999.)