--I think I can clear up your confusion on this.
The projects were not announced simultaneously. They were announced over a period of time.
So when one project was announced, the municipalities knew that $4.5 million was reduced from the $50 million. When another project was announced, $3 million was reduced from the $50 million.
They knew that the fund was depleting as good projects were being announced. They tailored their remaining submissions accordingly.