The Department shall make grant awards under this chapter to eligible municipal water pollution abatement and control projects on the basis of need as determined according to a system of priorities adopted by rule by the Department and to the extent appropriate funds are available. The system of priorities shall require consideration of criteria, including:
(1) whether a project is grant or loan eligible;
(2) the condition of the waters affected by the project and whether the waters are:
(A) not in compliance with the Vermont Water Quality Standards; or
(B) have a total maximum daily load (TMDL);
(3) whether the project will address water quality issues identified in a basin plan;
(4) whether the project will abate or control pollution that is causing or may cause a threat to public health;
(5) whether the project will address an emergency situation affecting or constituting a threat to the environment or the public health, safety, or welfare;
(6) if the project repairs or replaces existing infrastructure, the condition and integrity of such infrastructure;
(7) whether the project incorporates principles of environmental resiliency or sustainability, including energy efficiency, which reduce the environmental impacts of the project or a water pollution abatement and control facility;
(8) the fiscal integrity and sustainability of the project, including whether the project is a cost-effective alternative, when compared to other alternatives;
(9) whether the project serves a designated center;
(10) affordability factors for the municipality or municipalities in which the project is located, including:
(A) median household income;
(B) unemployment rate; and
(C) population trends; and
(11) if the project removes a pollutant for which the water or waters affected by the project are impaired, the cost-effectiveness of the project at removing that pollutant.