In approving loans and grants, the Board shall give preference to loans, loan subsidies, and grants for projects that will (i) utilize private industry in operation and maintenance of such projects where a material savings in cost can be shown over public operation and maintenance, (ii) serve two or more local governments or other entities to encourage regional cooperation, or (iii) accomplish both goals. In order to conserve water in the Eastern Virginia Groundwater Management Area (EVGMA), created pursuant to the Ground Water Management Act of 1992 (§ 62.1-254 et seq.), and in compliance with the federal Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. § 300f et seq.), the Board shall, when evaluating projects in the EVGMA, give preference to water projects that do not involve withdrawal of groundwater from the coastal plain aquifers over those water projects that withdraw groundwater from such aquifers.