Priorities

Priorities. (1) The department will establish grant funding priorities for each subprogram under this chapter, which may include a consideration of the degree to which the project will do any of the following: (a) Enhance knowledge and understanding of surface waters and aquatic invasive species. (b) Build an organization’s capacity to carry out planning and management projects. (c) Protect or restore water quality or an aquatic ecosystem’s quality, integrity, or provision of services. (d) Execute the priorities or recommendations of a management plan. (e) Complement other management efforts. (f) Reduce the spread of aquatic invasive species. (g) Implement a strategic prevention and control strategy for an AIS population. (h) Build partner or public support. (i) Make efficient use of resources or leverage additional funding. (j) Provide aid to ecosystems that are high quality or have critical restoration or protection needs. (k) Successfully meet project objectives and accomplish project goals. (L) Contribute to a first-time planning or management effort for the waterbody or grantee. (m) Satisfy other funding priorities consistent with the purpose of this chapter and established by the department. (2) Applications on waterbodies that meet the minimum public boating access standards under s. NR 1.91 (4) (d) or where the department determines that existing facilities are sufficient to meet existing demand for public access have funding priority. If public boating access does not exist on a waterbody and a grant application will establish public boating access, then the department will include the application in the project priority list and rank it as if the project had public boating access. Project eligibility is subject to public access requirements under s. NR 193.10 .