If a dispute arises concerning eligibility decisions made by the department within the context of a loan agreement, the decision may be appealed. A lawsuit cannot be brought to superior court unless the aggrieved party follows these procedures, which are intended to encourage the informal resolution of disputes consistent with RCW 34.05.060.

(1) First, the recipient may seek review of the financial assistance program's initial decision within thirty days of the decision in writing to the water quality program manager. The program manager will consider the appeal information and may choose to discuss the matter by telephone or in person;

(2) The program manager will issue a written decision within thirty days from the time the appeal is received;

(3) If the recipient is not satisfied with the program manager's decision, the recipient has thirty days to submit a written request to the deputy director for a review of the decision;

(4) The deputy director will consider the appeal information, and may choose to discuss the matter by telephone or in person. The deputy director will issue a written decision within thirty days from the time the appeal is received. The deputy director's decision will be the final decision of the department;

(5) If the recipient is not satisfied with the deputy director's final decision, the recipient may appeal to the Thurston County superior court, pursuant to RCW 34.05.570(4), which pertains to the review of "other agency action"; and

(6) Unless all parties to the appeal agree that a different time frame is appropriate, the parties shall attempt to bring the matter for a superior court determination within four months of the date in which the administrative record is filed with the court. This time frame is to ensure minimal disruptions to the program.