Prior to July 1 of each year the Commission shall apportion and set aside available funds for projects and project components eligible for funding assistance. In making such apportionments, the Commission shall consider the following:
008.01 Whether it is reasonable to expect that each project or project component for which funding is requested is capable of being commenced within the next ensuing fiscal year;008.02 Whether any of the projects or project components proposed for funding by the sponsors could, in the opinion of the Commission, be delayed without significant adverse effects on the total project;008.03 Whether there are reasonable grounds for concern that the project, or portions of it, may not be completed. Reasonable grounds for concern shall include, but not be limited to, opposition to completion of the project including current or anticipated lawsuits or the unavailability or loss of local, federal, or other state funds needed to complete the project;008.04 The funding preferences established in section 4-005;008.05 Each project's rate-of-return on the investment;008.06 The water and related resources needs addressed by each project;008.07 The economic impact of each project on the local and/or regional economy;008.08 The environmental impact of each project;008.09 The support for or opposition to each project;008.10 The urgency of need for each project;008.11 The extent of benefit provided by each project; and008.12 How to make the most efficient utilization of the available funds. Prior to the Commission's action apportioning and setting aside funds for a given fiscal year, the Department shall invite the sponsors of all projects for which funding has been requested for that fiscal year to appear before the Commission to address the manner in which their projects relate to the factors to be considered by the Commission.
256 Neb. Admin. Code, ch. 4, § 008