If there are no private school bus operators operating in the applicant's urban area, the applicant may so certify in its application in lieu of meeting the requirements of §605.16. This certification shall be accompanied by a statement that the applicant has published, in a newspaper of general circulation in its urban area, a notice stating that it has applied for assistance as provided under §605.16(b) and that it has certified that there are no private school bus operators operating in its urban area. A copy of the notice as published shall be included.