---
kind: "section"
citation: "33 C.F.R. § 386.11"
title: "33"
number: "386.11"
heading: "Selection criteria."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/33/386.11"
---

# §386.11. Selection criteria.


The selection criteria in [paragraphs (a) through (l)](#a..l) of this section will be used for evaluating and selecting among eligible projects to receive credit assistance:

- (a) The extent to which the project is nationally or regionally significant, with respect to the generation of economic and public benefits, such as—
  - (1) The reduction of flood risk;
  - (2) The improvement of water quality and quantity, including aquifer recharge;
  - (3) The protection of drinking water, including source water protection;
  - (4) The support of domestic and international commerce; and
  - (5) **The restoration of degraded aquatic ecosystem structures.**
- (b) The extent to which the project financing plan includes public or private financing, in addition to WIFIA credit assistance.
- (c) The likelihood that WIFIA credit assistance would enable the project to proceed at an earlier date than the project would otherwise be able or likely to proceed.
- (d) **The extent to which the project uses new or innovative approaches.**
- (e) **The amount of budget authority required to fund the WIFIA Federal credit instrument.**
- (f) **The extent to which the project—**
  - (1) Protects against an extreme weather event, such as a flood or hurricane; or
  - (2) **Helps maintain or protect the environment.**
- (g) The extent to which a project serves regions with significant clean energy exploration development, or production areas.
- (h) The extent to which a project serves regions with significant water resource challenges, including the need to address—
  - (1) Water quality concerns in areas of regional, national, or international significance;
  - (2) Water quantity concerns related to groundwater, surface water, or other water sources;
  - (3) Significant flood risk;
  - (4) Water resource challenges identified in existing regional, State, or multistate agreements; or
  - (5) **Water resources with exceptional recreational value or ecological assistance.**
- (i) **The extent to which the project addresses identified municipal, State, or regional priorities.**
- (j) The readiness of the project to proceed toward development, including a demonstration by the obligor that there is a reasonable expectation that the contracting process for construction of the project can commence not later than 90 days after the date on which a Federal credit instrument is obligated for the project under WIFIA.
- (k) **The extent to which WIFIA credit assistance reduces the overall Federal contributions to the project.**
- (l) The extent to which the project serves economically disadvantaged communities and spurs economic opportunity for, and minimally adversely impacts, economically disadvantaged communities and their populations.

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 33 U.S.C. 3901 et seq.

### Source

Source: 88 FR 32675, May 22, 2023, unless otherwise noted.