In selecting projects for a grant award, the department shall consider the following as they relate to a project:

    (a) The expectation for long-term water quality improvement.

    (b) The expectation for long-term protection of high quality waters.

    (c) The consistency of the project with remedial action plans and other regional water quality or watershed management plans approved by the department.

    (d) The placement of the watershed on the list of impaired waters pursuant to section 303(d) of title III of the federal water pollution control act, chapter 758, 86 Stat. 846, 33 U.S.C. 1313.

    (e) Commitments for financial and technical assistance from the partners in the project.

    (f) Financial and other resource contributions, including in-kind services, by project participants in excess of that required in section 8802(4).

    (g) The length of time the applicant has committed to maintain the physical improvements.

    (h) The commitment to provide monitoring to document improvement in water quality or the reduction of pollutant loads.

    (i) Whether the project provides benefits to sources of drinking water.

    (j) Other information the department considers relevant.