Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act ofSafe Drinking Water, Drought, Flood, and Water Resilience
Section § 91000
This law section states that a total of $3.8 billion can be used, once approved by the California Legislature, for initiatives related to safe drinking water, managing droughts and floods, and enhancing water resilience programs.
Section § 91010
This section allocates $1.885 billion, subject to legislative approval, to enhance California's water supply and water quality.
Section § 91011
This section allocates $610 million to California’s water board for grants or loans to improve water quality and ensure safe drinking water. The funding supports various projects, such as enhancing water quality monitoring, treating groundwater contamination, implementing drought management plans, and consolidating water systems. Tribal water infrastructure projects are guaranteed at least $25 million. If a responsible party is identified for contamination, additional funding can be sought. Geographically, funds should be distributed across the state, and at least 40% of the funds must aid disadvantaged communities. For very small communities with populations under 500, there's no limit on the funding per service connection.
Section § 91012
This law designates $386,250,000 for the Department of Water Resources to fund projects related to groundwater storage and management. It requires that at least $25 million of this amount benefit tribal communities. Half of the total funds are earmarked for projects that improve groundwater storage and management in line with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. The other half is directed towards projects supporting conjunctive use, groundwater recharge, improved watershed management, drought adaptation, and ecosystem benefits for fish and wildlife. Moreover, the funds must be distributed fairly across different regions in California.
Section § 91013
This law section allocates $200 million to the Department of Conservation’s Multibenefit Land Repurposing Program for projects focused on sustainable groundwater management. These projects aim to reduce groundwater use, convert irrigated farmland, create wildlife habitats, enhance drought resilience, improve floodwater management, and support the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act.
Section § 91014
This law allocates $386,250,000 to the water board for water recycling and reuse projects. The funding supports building treatment plants, infrastructure to use recycled water, and projects that also improve water quality.
Local funding must cover at least 50% of project costs, though this may be lowered for disadvantaged communities. Grants can fund large-scale projects multiple times and support related facilities like pipelines and wells. 10% of grants are reserved for planning and design, with funds fairly distributed across different regions of California.
Section § 91015
This law allocates $75 million from previously available funds to the California Water Commission for water storage projects. The money, subject to legislative approval, focuses on helping approved projects get done faster by offering extra grants. These grants account for increased costs caused by inflation and any additional public benefits.
Section § 91016
This law section states that $62.5 million is available for California projects that focus on improving water supply and drought resilience. Specifically, the funds are designated for projects related to brackish desalination, removing contaminants and salt, and managing salinity. Priority is given to projects that use renewable energy resources and aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Section § 91017
Section § 91018
This law details how $75 million, as specified in another section, is allocated to the Natural Resources Agency and the Department of Water Resources for grants. These grants are for projects that improve or repair regional water systems. Priority is given to projects that enhance water supply reliability, recharge groundwater, or address issues like groundwater overdraft and salinity. Other key focuses include adapting to environmental changes, ensuring water security during disasters, and providing safe drinking water to disadvantaged communities.
Section § 91019
This law specifies that $75 million from certain funds will be allocated, after being approved by the state Legislature, to the Department of Water Resources. The money is intended for projects that enhance water conservation in both farming and urban areas.
Section § 91020
This law states that from the funds provided by Section 91000, a total of $1,140,000,000 is set aside to decrease the risk of flooding and enhance the management of stormwater. The release of this money requires approval by the California Legislature.
Section § 91021
The law outlines how $550 million will be used for flood management projects, with a focus on enhancing flood safety and ecosystem functions. At least 40% of these funds must benefit disadvantaged or vulnerable communities. The funds are divided into three main allocations: $150 million for upgrading levees in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, $150 million for projects under the Flood Control Subventions Program, and $250 million for evaluating and improving levees and other flood control structures related to the State Plan of Flood Control.
Section § 91022
This section allocates $480 million from certain available funds to the Department of Water Resources. This money is intended for the Dam Safety and Climate Resilience Local Assistance Program. Specifically, it will be used for competitive grants to support projects that improve dam safety, enhance reservoir operations, and protect benefits to the public according to the Water Code.
Section § 91023
This law specifies that $110 million will be allocated to the water board for urban stormwater management projects. The focus is on projects that not only manage stormwater effectively but also offer additional benefits, especially those using natural infrastructure solutions. Types of eligible projects include stormwater capture, recycling, low-impact development, urban stream restoration, and increasing permeable surfaces to reduce flooding.
Section § 91030
This section sets aside $605 million, subject to approval by the Legislature, for projects that conserve and enhance rivers, lakes, and streams. The funds are also intended to boost the overall health of watersheds, which support fish and wildlife.
Section § 91031
This section allocates $100 million to the Department of Water Resources for projects aimed at enhancing climate resilience on a watershed level. The funding comes from a previous allocation and requires legislative approval before use. Additionally, the department must update its program guidelines to address climate risks.
Section § 91032
This section allocates $335 million for environmental projects to restore and protect rivers, wetlands, streams, lakes, and watersheds, aiming to improve climate resilience, water supply, and quality. These funds are specifically directed to benefit disadvantaged communities and will prioritize natural infrastructure projects where possible.
Key allocations include the Los Angeles River Watershed ($80 million), the Riverine Stewardship Program ($50 million), the Santa Ana River Program ($25 million), urban stream projects ($25 million), wildlife refuges and wetland habitats ($25 million), the Lower American River Conservancy ($10 million), and the Coyote Valley and West Coyote Hills Programs ($50 million combined). Additionally, $50 million is available for projects addressing water quality in cross-border waters with Mexico.
A portion of funds is set for the Clear Lake Watershed to enhance climate resilience and protection.
Section § 91033
This law states that from the allocated funds, $170 million is designated for the Salton Sea Management Program's 10-year plan and any future revisions or related plans. This initiative aims to enhance air quality, public health, and habitat benefits around the Salton Sea area.
Additionally, from this amount, $10 million is specifically reserved for either creating a Salton Sea Conservancy or supporting the Salton Sea Authority.
Section § 91040
This law allocates $150 million from available funds to the Wildlife Conservation Board. The money is to be used for projects under the Stream Flow Enhancement Program, including buying water rights, land with water rights, and arranging water leases.
Additionally, $50 million of this fund is specifically reserved for the Habitat Enhancement and Restoration Program. This aims to support projects that enhance fisheries and help reintroduce salmon into the cold water habitats of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers watersheds.
Section § 91045
This section sets aside $20 million of the funds mentioned in Section 91000 for the Natural Resources Agency to distribute as grants. These grants are intended for nature and climate education centers, nonprofit organizations, museums, zoos, aquariums, and geological sites in California that serve diverse communities. The money can be used for constructing and equipping facilities that help educate people about climate, biodiversity, and culture. Projects funded by these grants should also support species recovery and protect biodiversity, aligning with California's goal to conserve 30% of lands and waters by 2030.
Section § 91050
This law section states that any projects receiving funding under this particular chapter must align with the policies and guidelines set out in four key plans and acts. These are the Water Resilience Portfolio, California’s Water Supply Strategy, the Central Valley Flood Protection Plan, and, if relevant, the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act.