As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

1.__Commissioner.__"Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Administrative and Financial Services.

2.__Cooperative services grant.__"Cooperative services grant" means a grant award from the fund pursuant to section 6208 to cover eligible costs of a qualifying project.

3.__Department.__"Department" means the Department of Administrative and Financial Services.

4.__Eligible applicant.__"Eligible applicant" means a municipality, county or regional government subdivision.

5.__Eligible costs.__"Eligible costs" means the actual and direct expenses incurred in implementing a cooperative services grant or a planning grant awarded under section 6208, including expenses incurred in connection with the following activities for cooperative services grants and planning grants.

A.__Eligible costs for a planning grant include the expense of:

(1)__Studies to examine alternative methods of achieving collaboration, including those adopted by other municipalities;

(2)__Cost-benefit studies; and

(3) Facilitation of community meetings and public outreach and education.

B.__Eligible costs for a cooperative services grant includes the expense of:

(1)__Execution and implementation of an interlocal agreement under chapter 115, a tax base sharing arrangement or another regional government mechanism for achieving collaboration;

(2)__Joint strategic planning or comprehensive or capital investment planning;

(3)__Public outreach and education;