The department shall, at a minimum, consider the following to assign points, and rate and rank proposed projects:

1. (1) Criteria for risk categories and points based on:

   1. (a) Type and significance of public health problems the project will resolve;
   2. (b) If the project is needed to bring the public water system into compliance with federal, state, and local drinking water requirements; and
   3. (c) Current compliance status.

2. (2) Additional points based on the type of project being proposed if the project:

   1. (a) Is ready to proceed to construction;
   2. (b) Completes projects previously funded by DWSRF grants or loans;
   3. (c) Is to consolidate or restructure multiple public water systems;
   4. (d) Creates a sustainable regional public health benefit;
   5. (e) Is a water main replacement project that coincides with other infrastructure projects;
   6. (f) Qualifies as a green project; or
   7. (g) Serves a disadvantaged community.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 70A.125.160, Federal Safe Drinking Water Act. WSR 24-16-058, s 246-296-130, filed 7/31/24, effective 8/31/24. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.170 as amended by 2016 c 111. WSR 16-14-086, § 246-296-130, filed 7/5/16, effective 8/5/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.170 and Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, H.R. 1452. WSR 12-01-077, § 246-296-130, filed 12/19/11, effective 2/1/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.119A.170. WSR 01-21-137, § 246-296-130, filed 10/24/01, effective 11/24/01.]