(1) Public benefit ratio and non-monetized public benefits (maximum point value of 4). The Commission shall consider the technical review comments regarding non-monetized public benefits and evaluate whether point contributions from non-monetized benefits is consistent. If the Commission determined it is not consistent, the Commission may change the non-monetized public benefit score as described in section 6011(b)(4).

(2) Implementation Risk (maximum point value of 15). The Commission shall consider the technical review comments for implementation risk and evaluate if the review comments are consistent with the implementation risk score assigned by reviewers. If the Commission determines it is not consistent, the Commission may change the component score as described in section 6011(b)(4).

(3) Resiliency (maximum point value of 25). The Commission shall consider the technical review comments for resiliency and evaluate if the review comments and score are consistent. If the Commission determines it is not consistent, the Commission may change the component score as described in section 6011(b)(4).

(4) The Commission may adjust a project's component score for items listed in section 6011(b)(1) - (3) by plus or minus 25% of the maximum value rounded to the nearest whole number. In all cases of score adjustment, the adjusted component cannot exceed the maximum component score in section 6009, Table 5. If the Commission decides that component point adjustments should be made beyond 25%, the Commission shall direct Staff to re-evaluate an application, adjust scores, and substantiate the changes for reconsideration by the Commission.

(5) Staff shall adjust the total expected return for investment scores to reflect the Commission's decisions.

(1) The proposed project is cost effective;

(2) The proposed project improves the operations of the State water system;

(3) The proposed project provides a net improvement in ecosystem and water quality conditions;

(4) The proposed project provides measurable improvements to the Delta ecosystem or to the tributaries to the Delta;

(5) The Program cost share is less than or equal to 50 percent of the proposed project's total capital costs, with the exception of conjunctive use projects and reservoir reoperation projects, as defined in Water Code section 79751. Program cost share for conjunctive use projects and reservoir reoperation projects defined in Water Code section 79751(c) may be greater than 50 percent of the proposed project's total capital costs, pursuant to Water Code section 79756(a);

(6) The Program-funded ecosystem improvement benefits make up at least 50 percent of the total public benefits funded by the Program;

(7) The proposed project appears to be feasible;

(8) The proposed project will advance the long-term objectives of restoring ecological health and improving water management for beneficial uses of the Delta; and

(9) The proposed project is consistent with all applicable laws and regulations.

(1) Rank one (Rank 1) shall include projects with a total expected return on public investment score of 85 or higher;

(2) Rank two (Rank 2) shall include projects with a total expected return on public investment score between 70 and 84;

(3) Rank three (Rank 3) shall include the remainder of projects.

(1) No single project shall receive a maximum conditional eligibility amount equal to the total available Program funding;

(2) Staff will first assign suggested maximum conditional eligibility amounts equal to Rank 1 project eligible Program cost shares;

(3) If maximum conditional eligibility amounts from section 6011(e)(2) exceed the available funding amount, Staff shall assign maximum conditional eligibility amounts proportional to the expected return on public investment scores;

(4) Staff shall assign maximum conditional eligibility amounts to Rank 2 only if the sum of Rank 1 conditional eligibility amounts are less than the total available funding. Staff shall assign Rank 2 maximum eligibility amounts by applying section 6011(e)(1) and (2) to projects in Rank 2; and

(5) Staff shall not assign any maximum conditional eligibility amounts to projects in Rank 3.

(1) In adjusting any individual project's maximum conditional eligibility, the Commission shall consider public input and the following:

(2) Projects in Rank 3 shall be considered for funding only if there is remaining available funding and all projects in Rank 1 and Rank 2 are funded to the full amount of the projects' requests.

(3) For projects where the Commission has assigned a maximum conditional eligibility amount and the applicant has requested early funding, the Commission shall determine if early funding should be allowed after reviewing the funding need information contained in the early funding scope of work. Staff shall disburse early funding based on the Commission's determinations and limits pursuant to section 6010.