1. (a) Each application shall be scored based on the anticipated benefit of the proposed project in one of the following NHCP project focus areas:

   1. (1) Restoration of coastal habitats;
   2. (2) Water quality and stormwater management;
   3. (3) Land conservation;
   4. (4) Climate change adaptation and coastal hazards; or
   5. (5) Ocean and estuarine resources.

2. (b) The NHCP shall determine whether a project:

   1. (1) Directly addresses one of the 5 focus areas set forth in (a), above, and, if so, whether the project directly qualifies as a high or medium priority project based on the criteria set forth in (c) and (d), below;
   2. (2) Indirectly addresses one of the 5 focus areas set forth in (a), above; or
   3. (3) Does not directly or indirectly address one of the 5 focus areas set forth in (a), above, but is otherwise eligible for funding pursuant to Env-Wq 2004.03 through 2004.08.

3. (c) The following types of projects that directly address one of the 5 focus areas shall qualify as high priority projects and receive 10 points:

   1. (1) Restoration projects that:

      1. a. Result in restoration of tidal and non-tidal coastal habitats, including, rivers, streams, and floodplains; or
      2. b. Facilitate the control of invasive species;

   2. (2) Water quality and stormwater management projects that:

      1. a. Implement low impact development technologies and practices;
      2. b. Create and promulgate water quality and stormwater ordinances; or
      3. c. Monitor the effectiveness of water quality enhancement activities;

   3. (3) Land conservation projects that:

      1. a. Conserve coastal lands, including but not limited to buffers around tidal waters, tributary rivers, and tributary streams;
      2. b. Protect floodplains;
      3. c. Provide or increase public access to coastal resources; or
      4. d. Conserve unique natural areas and habitats;

   4. (4) Projects that promote climate change adaptation and mitigation of coastal hazards by:

      1. a. Planning and modeling for sea level rise;
      2. b. Implementing actions to protect coastal infrastructure and resources; or
      3. c. Promulgating local regulations; or

   5. (5) Projects that protect ocean and estuarine resources, including but not limited to:

      1. a. Renewable energy siting research projects;
      2. b. Dredged material management projects;
      3. c. Development of offshore data sources such as bathymetry, benthic habitat and human uses; and
      4. d. Projects that implement innovative or regional approaches to offshore issues.

4. (d) The following types of projects that directly address one of the 5 focus areas shall qualify as medium priority projects and receive 6 points:

   1. (1) Feasibility studies, monitoring activities, and outreach associated with coastal habitat restoration;
   2. (2) Research, ambient water quality monitoring, and outreach about the importance of good water quality;
   3. (3) Land conservation outreach, planning, and stewardship;
   4. (4) Research and outreach pertaining to climate change adaptation and coastal hazards; or
   5. (5) Marine debris removal and prevention, and outreach on ocean and estuarine resources.
5. (e) A project that indirectly addresses one of the 5 focus areas shall receive 4 points.
6. (f) A project that does not directly or indirectly address one of the 5 focus areas but is otherwise eligible for funding pursuant to Env-Wq 2004.03 through Env-Wq 2004.08 shall receive 2 points.

Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Env-Wq 2000) #8411, eff 8-19-05; ss by #9570, eff 10-17-09