A. Sponsors shall apply to the commission for project approval. B. A sponsor’s application shall include:

(1)     a comprehensive work plan;

(2)     a complete project cost estimate;

(3)     the number of corps members required; and

(4)     the estimated time necessary to complete the project.

C. The commission shall examine the following in considering a project for approval or rejection:

(1)     the opportunities the project provides in the development of skills, discipline and good work habits;

(2)     the degree of difficulty in carrying out the project;

(3)     the project’s compliance with conservation and community service objectives, as set forth in Section 4 [9-5B-4 N.M. Stat. Ann.] of the New Mexico Youth Conservation Corps Act;

(4)     the sponsor’s ability to contribute the necessary financial and human resources to the project; and

(5)     the project’s compatibility with concurrent corps projects, including the availability of the required corps work force.

D. A project shall not be approved if its implementation would result in the displacement of currently employed workers, including a partial displacement, such as reduction in hours or benefits. Participating sponsors shall not terminate, lay off or reduce the working hours of any employee in order to use a corps member to perform the employee’s duties.