Section 410-R. Child care resource and referral programs

1.    The
  commissioner  shall  solicit  applications  for  available  funds   from
  agencies  pursuant  to this title in a manner to ensure that agencies in
  every area of the state will have an opportunity to apply for funds. The
  commissioner shall designate areas to be served by child  care  resource
  and  referral  services to ensure that services are accessible statewide
  to the maximum extent feasible.
    2. (a) In reviewing the applications, the commissioner shall  consider
  the  ability  of  each  applicant  to provide the services delineated in
  section four hundred ten-q of this title. Each agency shall  demonstrate
  that  it has a viable plan to offer the required services to families in
  the area without regard to income, and  to  attract  local  support  for
  additions  to  the  required and enhanced services delineated in section
  four hundred ten-q of this title.
    (b) In connection with the review of an application for funds pursuant
  to this title, the commissioner shall consider  requests  from  agencies
  for additional funding for the provision of enhanced services.
    3.  In  accordance  with  the  provisions of this title and subject to
  funds appropriated specifically therefor, the commissioner is authorized
  to award contracts for the operation of child care resource and referral
  programs.