67(2) 68By October 1, 2016, the department shall initiate rulemaking to establish criteria by which the department will evaluate and rank pilot projects for funding. The criteria must include a determination by the department that the pilot project will not be harmful to the ecological resources in the study area. The criteria must give preference to projects that will result in the greatest improvement to water quality and water quantity for the dollars to be expended for the project. At a minimum, the department shall consider all of the following:157(a) 158The level of nutrient impairment of the water body, watershed, or water segment in which the project is located.
177(b) 178The quantity of nutrients the project is estimated to remove from a water body, watershed, or water segment with a nutrient total maximum daily load.
203(c) 204The potential for the project to provide a cost-effective solution to pollution, including pollution caused by onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems.
226(d) 227The anticipated impact the project will have on restoring or increasing flow or water level.
242(e) 243The amount of matching funds for the project which will be provided by the entities responsible for implementing the project.
263(f) 264Whether the project is located in a rural area of opportunity, as defined in s. 279288.0656, 280with preference given to the local government responsible for implementing the project. 292(g) 293For multiple-year projects, whether the project has funding sources that are identified and assured through the expected completion date of the project.
315(h) 316The cost of the project and the length of time it will take to complete relative to its expected benefits.
336(i) 337Whether the entities responsible for implementing the project have used their own funds for projects to improve water quality or conserve water use with preference given to those entities that have expended such funds.
