OAR 695-048-0110: Evaluation Criteria

Drinking Water Source Protection Grant applications shall be evaluated on the following criteria: (1) S ignificance of the acquisition of the Protective Instrument to the protection, restoration, or enhancement of drinking water sources with respect to sensitive areas, potential pollutants, and potential sources of pollution identified in the Source Water Assessment for the Drinking Water Source Area . (2) The capacity and experience o f the applicant and , if a P artnership is proposed, the H older , to achieve the ongoing management and stewardship of the Pro tective In st rument , and the property if applicable , as the long-term owner . (3) The strength of the technical, legal, and financial aspects of the real estate transaction. (4) Project readiness, including , but not limited to , the capacity of the parties engaged in the Project to complete acquisition transaction and due diligence steps within OWEB established timelines, a nd quality of due diligence information provided by the applicant . (5) The Climate - Related Evaluation Criteria described in OAR 695-005-0045. (6) For applicants that form P artnerships with eligible H olders: (a) Demonstrated capacity and resources for long-term protection, restoration, or enhancement of drinking water sources . (b) A Partnership mission that is in support of protection or restoration of natural resources and/or drinking water . (c) A c learly defined and documented Partnership including respective roles and responsibilities. (7) The impacts of at least one of the following limiting factors on the Water System that will benefit from the proposed project: (a) The extent to which s easonal variations in the number of users is affecting the Water System ; (b) The extent to which d rought or low water supply is affecting the Water System ; or (c) The exten t of r isk s to water quality . (8) The Water Supplier is economically distressed due to a small population size, the population served is lower income, or the population served is rural . ( 9 ) The duration and type of the Protective Instrument, with a preference for longer term agreements. ( 10 ) I mplementation of a L ong- T erm M anagement P l an or the intent to develop a L ong- T erm M anagement P lan that incorporates measures targeted at maintaining or enhancing drinking water quality and/or quantity . If the acquisition is for a Protective Instrument other than one accomplishing the conveyance of an estate in fee simple absolute or granting of a C onservation E asement and a L ong- T erm M anagement P lan is not proposed , the strength of the required justification and rationale about why a L ong- T erm M anagement P lan is not necessary given the type of Protective Instrument proposed. (1 1 ) The degree and urgency of risk to the land and the associated Drinking Water Source Area if the proposed protection, restoration, or enhancement of lands for the benefit of drinking water accomplished by the proposed Protective Instrument is not implemented.