Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 10, § 1628

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: not in compliance with the Vermont Water Quality Standards; or

(3) have a total maximum daily load (TMDL);

(4) whether the project will address water quality issues identified in a basin plan;

(5) whether the project will abate or control pollution that is causing or may cause a threat to public health;

(6) whether the project will address an emergency situation affecting or constituting a threat to the environment or the public health, safety, or welfare;

(7) if the project repairs or replaces existing infrastructure, the condition and integrity of such infrastructure;

(8) 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;

(9) the fiscal integrity and sustainability of the project, including whether the project is a cost-effective alternative, when compared to other alternatives;

(10) whether the project serves a designated center;

(11) affordability factors for the municipality or municipalities in which the project is located, including: median household income;

(12) unemployment rate; and

(13) population trends; and