Innovative nutrient and sediment reduction and conservation pilot project program.

(1) Contingent upon a specific appropriation in the General Appropriation Act, the department may fund innovative nutrient and sediment reduction and conservation pilot projects selected pursuant to this section. These pilot projects are intended to test the effectiveness of innovative or existing nutrient reduction or water conservation technologies, programs, or practices designed to minimize nutrient pollution or restore flows in the water bodies of the state.

(2) By October 1, 2016, the department shall initiate rulemaking to establish criteria by which the department will evaluate and rank pilot projects for funding. The criteria must include a determination by the department that the pilot project will not be harmful to the ecological resources in the study area. The criteria must give preference to projects that will result in the greatest improvement to water quality and water quantity for the dollars to be expended for the project. At a minimum, the department shall consider all of the following:

(a) The level of nutrient impairment of the water body, watershed, or water segment in which the project is located.

(b) The quantity of nutrients the project is estimated to remove from a water body, watershed, or water segment with a nutrient total maximum daily load.

(c) The potential for the project to provide a cost-effective solution to pollution, including pollution caused by onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems.

(d) The anticipated impact the project will have on restoring or increasing flow or water level.

(e) The amount of matching funds for the project which will be provided by the entities responsible for implementing the project.

(f) Whether the project is located in a rural area of opportunity, as defined in s. 288.0656, with preference given to the local government responsible for implementing the project.

(g) For multiple-year projects, whether the project has funding sources that are identified and assured through the expected completion date of the project.

(h) The cost of the project and the length of time it will take to complete relative to its expected benefits.

(i) Whether the entities responsible for implementing the project have used their own funds for projects to improve water quality or conserve water use with preference given to those entities that have expended such funds.