CRITERIA FOR ACCEPTING AND PRIORITIZING WATER SUPPLY ENHANCEMENT PROJECTS

(a) The board shall adopt rules establishing: (1) criteria for accepting project proposals; and (2) a system to prioritize projects for each funding cycle, giving priority to projects that balance the most critical water conservation need and the highest projected water yield. (b) The criteria required by Subsection (a)(1) must include a requirement that each proposal state the projected water yield of the proposed project, as modeled by a person with expertise in hydrology, water resources, or another technical area pertinent to the evaluation of water supply. (c) The board shall consult with stakeholders, including hydrologists and representatives from soil and water conservation districts, to develop by rule standard methods of reporting the projected water yield under Subsection (b). (d) In prioritizing projects under Subsection (a)(2), the board shall consider: (1) the need for conservation of water resources within the territory of the project, based on the state water plan adopted under Section 16.051, Water Code; (2) projected water yield of areas of the project, based on soil, slope, land use, types and distribution of trees, brush, and other vegetative matter, and proximity of trees, brush, and other vegetative matter to rivers, streams, and channels; (3) any method the project may use to control brush; (4) cost-sharing contract rates within the territory of the project; (5) the location and size of the project; (6) the budget of the project and any associated requests for grant funds submitted under this title; (7) the implementation schedule of the project; and (8) the administrative capacities of the board and the entity that will manage the project. (e) In prioritizing projects under Subsection (a)(2), the board may consider: (1) scientific research on the effects of brush removal on water supply; and (2) any other criteria that the board considers relevant to assure that the water supply enhancement program can be most effectively, efficiently, and economically implemented.