Chapter 2Organization of the Authority: General Powers and Duties
Section § 32050
This section establishes the California Urban Waterfront Area Restoration Financing Authority as a state government body focused on restoring urban waterfront areas. It is considered a critical state function. The authority is made up of five key officials: the Director of Finance, the Controller, the Treasurer, the Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency, and the executive director of the conservancy, with the Treasurer serving as the chair. Each official can appoint a representative to act on their behalf. The Treasurer is responsible for organizing the authority's first meeting.
Section § 32051
Section § 32052
This law section says that the authority in charge of this division has all the power it needs to fulfill its duties and responsibilities.
Section § 32053
The rule requires that the authority has an office in Sacramento.
Section § 32054
This section explains that the chairperson needs to appoint an executive director, who is not a part of the authority, to assist with the authority's responsibilities. The executive director can hire staff and others as needed and will be paid a salary set by the authority. Additionally, the authority can allow the executive director to sign contracts on its behalf.
Section § 32055
This law allows the authority to create rules and regulations needed to implement this division, following a specific procedure outlined in another part of the government code. Essentially, it gives the authority the power to ensure the division operates effectively.
Section § 32056
The Attorney General acts as the main legal advisor for an authority, but the authority can hire additional legal counsel if necessary, with the Attorney General’s approval, which should not be unreasonably denied. This can include hiring lawyers for specific needs like bond issuance.
Additionally, the Director of Finance serves as the authority’s treasurer.
Section § 32057
This law outlines various powers and responsibilities of an authority. It can make rules for its operations, create a seal, and engage in legal actions. The authority is allowed to issue bonds for project financing, hire private consultants, and employ advisors for bond-related activities. It can also contract with state agencies for necessary services, pay for expert consulting services, and manage the purchase and sale of property for project financing.
Additionally, the authority can receive financial resources like loans and grants, provide loans to parties for project financing and refinancing, and secure loans with property interests. It can lease projects to parties with specific terms, collect administrative costs, and obtain insurance for loans. Lastly, it has the flexibility to enter into agreements, invest reserve funds, and carry out actions necessary for its functions.
Section § 32058
This law explains that there are specific criteria that must be followed when selecting projects to get financial help from the authority. These criteria focus on the project's economic health and the likelihood that involved parties can meet all the project's financial responsibilities.
Section § 32059
To get approval for a project in the coastal zone, it first needs approval from the conservancy, and it must be located where there's a plan for urban waterfront restoration. The conservancy will only approve such a plan if current conditions hinder key state coastal zone goals and if the plan offers public benefits like access, recreation, environmental improvements, and opportunities for jobs and economic growth.
Section § 32059.5
This law states that certain projects within the Sacramento-Yolo or Stockton Port Districts, or on a river, lake, or reservoir in a metro area, need approval from the conservancy to go forward. These projects must have a plan for urban waterfront restoration.
For the conservancy to approve these plans, they must ensure the projects will offer public access or recreation, improve the environment, and boost jobs and the economy.
A total of $50 million is set aside for projects in these water areas within metropolitan areas.