All requests for assistance that meet the eligibility requirements in §§404.6 and 404.7 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;

(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.