Publication Summary

This is an evaluation of the Department of Ecology′s (Ecology) water quality grants and loans method used for State Fiscal Year 2000 (SFY 2000). That method consisted of project rating and ranking criteria, locally-derived water quality priorities, establishment of a standing policy advisory committee (Water Quality Financial Assistance Council), and related actions. This method was piloted in 1999 as recommended by the Financial Assistance Restructuring Committee (FARC).

The focus of this evaluation is to assess what types of projects faired well under the pilot rating and ranking criteria, how applicants and evaluators viewed the pilot, and how objective or subjective the rating and ranking criteria are. The purpose of this evaluation is to identify where the Ecology grant and loans distribution method can be improved for SFY 20001. This evaluation offers conclusion, where appropriate, but does not make specific process change recommendations. These changes are being developed through the Financial Assistance Council and will be published as part of the FY 2001 application and guidance in early 2000.