(1) The agency may rank each application to establish funding and project prioritization, which will determine timing on when project remediation work may occur and may limit funding offered based on the factors in subsection (3) of this section.

(2) To ensure that program funds are used to address contamination from heating oil tank releases, the agency may prioritize funding and timing of when project remediation may occur for projects that require immediate remediation and where it is known that the release is impacting surface water, groundwater used for drinking water, or a stormwater system.

(3) The agency will prioritize participants based on the time the application was submitted, general location information, and the following factors and any other factors PLIA deems relevant:

(a) Determine if the project location has contamination from a heating oil tank release and only requires remediation funding.

(b) The project location has contamination from a heating oil tank release and requires funding for remediation and infrastructure upgrade. Program funding is allocated to the cleanup of contamination from the heating oil tank release before allocation for infrastructure upgrades.

(c) The project location requires funding for only infrastructure upgrades.

(d) The project location includes a vulnerable population as defined in RCW 70A.02.010(14), or an overburdened community as identified in RCW 70A.02.010(11).

(4) The agency may adjust project rankings when the extent of contamination from the heating oil tank release is later identified as posing a threat to human health or the environment.

(5) The program may re-rank or reassess applications due to emergent conditions or availability of new information. Affected applicants will be notified in writing.

(6) Applicants may not appeal the agency's project rankings.