Code of Federal Regulations Title 43. Public Lands:  Interior § 43.404.13 What criteria will Reclamation use to prioritize requests for assistance under the program?

(a) Whether there is an urgent and compelling need for a rural water supply project that would:

(b) The extent to which a rural water supply project promotes and applies a regional or watershed perspective to water resources management as defined in § 404.2;

(c) The financial need of the project sponsors for assistance with the planning, design, and construction of a rural water supply project, as demonstrated by readily available local and regional economic indicators;

(d) The extent to which Reclamation is uniquely qualified to plan, design, and build the project;

(e) Whether a rural water supply project helps meet applicable requirements established by law;

(f) The extent to which a rural water supply project serves Indian tribes that have nonexistent or inadequate water systems;

(g) The extent to which a rural water supply project is ineligible for comprehensive funding (sufficient to fully fund planning and construction of the entire project) through other assistance programs;

(h) The extent to which a rural water supply project is identified as a priority by state, tribal or local governments;

(i) Whether a rural water supply project incorporates an innovative approach that effectively addresses water supply problems and needs, either by applying new technology or by employing a creative administrative or cooperative solution;  and

(j) Other criteria that Reclamation deems appropriate.