Subdivision 1.Ranking proposals.

The agency shall rank proposals for technical and financial assistance in order of priority and shall, within the limits of available appropriations, grant those proposals having the highest priority. The agency shall by rule adopt appropriate criteria to determine the priority of projects.

Subd. 2.Criteria.

(a) The criteria shall give the highest priority to projects that best demonstrate compliance with the objectives in paragraphs (b) to (d).

(b) The project demonstrates participation, coordination, and cooperation between local units of government, other public agencies, and local stakeholders.

(c) The degree of water quality protection, enhancement, or restoration is maximized relative to the cost of implementing the best management practices.

(d) Best management practices provide a feasible means to abate or prevent nonpoint source water pollution.