---
kind: "section"
citation: "43 C.F.R. § 404.13"
title: "43"
number: "404.13"
heading: "What criteria will Reclamation use to prioritize requests for assistance under the program?"
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/43/404.13"
---

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


All requests for assistance that meet the eligibility requirements in §§ [404.6](/cfr/43/404.6.md) and [404.7](/cfr/43/404.7.md) will be evaluated by applying the following prioritization criteria:

- (a) **Whether there is an urgent and compelling need for a rural water supply project that would—**
  - (1) Address present or future water supply needs; or
  - (2) Promote public health and safety by addressing present and preventing future violations of drinking water standards;
- (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](/cfr/43/404.2.md);
- (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.**

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: Public Law 109-451 (43 U.S.C. 2401 et seq. )

### Source

Source: 73 FR 67782, Nov. 17, 2008, unless otherwise noted.