(1) To apply for funding, the applicant must submit a completed application to the department. The department will provide the application on the department website.

(2) Minimum score on application.

(a) An applicant must receive a minimum score equal to fifty percent of the available points on the water quality and public health improvements form, of the water quality financial assistance application to be eligible for funding consideration. The department may offer funding to applicants with fewer than fifty percent of the points available on the form if demand for funding is low; and

(b) An applicant must also receive a minimum score equal to sixty percent of the available points on the entire water quality financial assistance application to be eligible for funding consideration. The department may offer funding to applicants with fewer than sixty percent of the points available on the financial assistance application if demand for funding is low.