§404.13. What criteria will Reclamation use to prioritize requests for assistance under the program?

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;

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;

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

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

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

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;

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

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