; and (2) construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, acquisition of real property (including land related to the project and improvements to the land), environmental mitigation, construction contingencies, acquisition of equipment, and operational improvements directly related to improving system performance. (g) Project requirements The Secretary may select a project described under this section for funding under this section only if the Secretary determines that the project— (1) generates significant regional or national economic, mobility, safety, resilience, or environmental benefits; (2) is cost effective; (3) is based on the results of preliminary engineering; (4) has secured or will secure acceptable levels of non-Federal financial commitments, including— (A) 1 or more stable and dependable sources of funding and financing to construct, maintain, and operate the project; and (B) contingency amounts to cover unanticipated cost increases; (5) cannot be easily and efficiently completed without additional Federal funding or financial assistance available to the project sponsor, beyond existing Federal apportionments; and (6) is reasonably expected to begin construction not later than 18 months after the date of obligation of funds for the project. (h) Merit criteria and considerations (1) Merit criteria In awarding a grant under this section, the Secretary shall evaluate the following merit criteria: (A) The extent to which the project supports achieving a state of good repair. (B) The level of benefits the project is expected to generate, including— (i) the costs avoided by the prevention of closure or reduced use of the asset to be improved by the project; (ii) reductions in maintenance costs over the life of the asset; (iii) safety benefits, including the reduction of accidents and related costs; (iv) improved person or freight throughput, including congestion reduction and reliability improvements; (v) national and regional economic benefits; (vi) resilience benefits