1. The authority, in cooperation with the department of natural resources and the department of agriculture and land stewardship, shall establish and administer a water quality financing program. The purpose of the program shall be to provide financial assistance to enhance the quality of surface water and groundwater, particularly by providing financial assistance for projects designed to improve water quality by addressing point and nonpoint sources, with a higher prioritization provided to collaborative efforts.
 2. The authority shall determine the interest rate and repayment terms for loans made under the program, in cooperation with the department of natural resources and the department of agriculture and land stewardship, and the authority shall enter into loan agreements with eligible entities in compliance with and subject to the terms and conditions of the program as described in this part.
 3. The authority may charge loan recipients fees and assess costs against such recipients necessary for the continued operation of the program. Such fees and costs shall not exceed the costs directly associated with the administration of the program. Fees and costs collected pursuant to this subsection shall be deposited in the appropriate fund or account created in section 16.153.
 4. The program shall be administered by the authority in accordance with rules adopted by the authority pursuant to chapter 17A.