; (2) the Secretary recommends for funding in the annual report on funding recommendations under subsection (i); (3) is reasonably expected to begin construction not later than 18 months after the date on which funds are obligated for the project; and (4) is based on— (A) the results of preliminary engineering; or (B) asset management planning that includes a reasonable cost estimate for a noncomplex project or noncomplex elements of a program of medium or small projects. (f) Project phases (1) Project development phase (A) In general A project shall be considered to have entered the project development phase if— (i) an eligible entity under subsection (d)(1)— (I) submits an application to the Secretary describing the project and requesting entry into the project development phase; and (II) activities required to be carried out under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) with respect to the project have been initiated; and (ii) not later than 45 days after the date on which the Secretary receives the application under clause (i)(I), the Secretary— (I) provides to the applicant written notice that the information provided is sufficient to enter into the project development phase