The sum of one billion four hundred ninety-five million dollars ($1,495,000,000) shall be available, upon appropriation by the Legislature from the fund, in accordance with this chapter, for competitive grants for multibenefit ecosystem and watershed protection and restoration projects in accordance with statewide priorities.
Chapter 6Protecting Rivers, Lakes, Streams, Coastal Waters, and Watersheds
Section § 79730
The law outlines that $1.495 billion can be allocated for competitive grants focused on multibenefit projects related to ecosystem and watershed protection and restoration. These projects should align with state-wide priorities, and the funding is contingent upon legislative approval.
competitive grants multibenefit projects ecosystem protection watershed restoration statewide priorities legislative appropriation environmental funding sustainability projects habitat preservation natural resources conservation California environmental grants fund allocation restoration projects water conservation biodiversity enhancement
Section § 79731
This law section designates $327.5 million for projects aimed at improving water quality, supply, and watershed conservation throughout California. A set amount is distributed to various conservancies and councils: Baldwin Hills receives $10 million, California Tahoe gets $15 million, and Coachella Valley Mountains is allocated $10 million.
The Ocean Protection Council is given $30 million, San Diego River gets $17 million, San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles $30 million, and San Joaquin River $10 million. Santa Monica Mountains receives $30 million, Sierra Nevada $25 million, and the State Coastal Conservancy is funded with $100.5 million, covering several watersheds including San Francisco Bay, Santa Ana River, and more.
The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy is allocated $50 million for its projects.
Of the funds authorized by Section 79730, the sum of three hundred twenty-seven million five hundred thousand dollars ($327,500,000) shall be allocated for multibenefit water quality, water supply, and watershed protection and restoration projects for the watersheds of the state in accordance with the following schedule:
(a)CA Water Code § 79731(a) Baldwin Hills Conservancy, ten million dollars ($10,000,000).
(b)CA Water Code § 79731(b) California Tahoe Conservancy, fifteen million dollars ($15,000,000).
(c)CA Water Code § 79731(c) Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy, ten million dollars ($10,000,000).
(d)CA Water Code § 79731(d) Ocean Protection Council, thirty million dollars ($30,000,000).
(e)CA Water Code § 79731(e) San Diego River Conservancy, seventeen million dollars ($17,000,000).
(f)CA Water Code § 79731(f) San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy, thirty million dollars ($30,000,000).
(g)CA Water Code § 79731(g) San Joaquin River Conservancy, ten million dollars ($10,000,000).
(h)CA Water Code § 79731(h) Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, thirty million dollars ($30,000,000).
(i)CA Water Code § 79731(i) Sierra Nevada Conservancy, twenty-five million dollars ($25,000,000).
(j)CA Water Code § 79731(j) State Coastal Conservancy, one hundred million five hundred thousand dollars ($100,500,000). Eligible watersheds for the funds allocated pursuant to this subdivision include, but are not limited to, those that are in the San Francisco Bay Conservancy region, the Santa Ana River watershed, the Tijuana River watershed, the Otay River watershed, Catalina Island, and the central coast region.
(k)CA Water Code § 79731(k) Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy, fifty million dollars ($50,000,000).
water quality projects watershed protection restoration projects Baldwin Hills Conservancy California Tahoe Conservancy Coachella Valley Mountains Ocean Protection Council San Diego River Conservancy San Gabriel Rivers Conservancy San Joaquin River Conservancy Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy Sierra Nevada Conservancy State Coastal Conservancy Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta multibenefit water projects
Section § 79732
This section outlines the goals for protecting and restoring California’s water bodies and related ecosystems. It focuses on enhancing economic benefits from healthy watersheds, adapting to climate change, and restoring river parkways and urban greenways. Projects include protecting aquatic ecosystems, acquiring water rights, improving fish passage, and collaborating with federal agencies for species protection. Initiatives also aim to reduce wildfire risks, support water storage, manage stormwater, and restore coastal and inland watershed health to improve water quality and flood management. Additionally, it addresses reducing pollution and mercury contamination from old mines, supports endangered species recovery, and aids in agricultural sustainability. Funding is limited to projects that provide substantial fisheries or ecosystem benefits beyond basic compliance requirements.
(a)CA Water Code § 79732(a) In protecting and restoring California rivers, lakes, streams, and watersheds, the purposes of this chapter are to:
(1)CA Water Code § 79732(a)(1) Protect and increase the economic benefits arising from healthy watersheds, fishery resources, and instream flow.
(2)CA Water Code § 79732(a)(2) Implement watershed adaptation projects in order to reduce the impacts of climate change on
California’s communities and ecosystems.
(3)CA Water Code § 79732(a)(3) Restore river parkways throughout the state, including, but not limited to, projects pursuant to the California River Parkways Act of 2004 (Chapter 3.8 (commencing with Section 5750) of Division 5 of the Public Resources Code), in the Urban Streams Restoration Program established pursuant to Section 7048, and urban river greenways.
(4)CA Water Code § 79732(a)(4) Protect and restore aquatic, wetland, and migratory bird ecosystems, including fish and wildlife corridors and the acquisition of water rights for instream flow.
(5)CA Water Code § 79732(a)(5) Fulfill the obligations of the State of California in complying with the terms of multiparty settlement agreements related to water resources.
(6)CA Water Code § 79732(a)(6) Remove barriers to fish passage.
(7)CA Water Code § 79732(a)(7) Collaborate with federal agencies in the protection of fish native to California and wetlands in the central valley of California.
(8)CA Water Code § 79732(a)(8) Implement fuel treatment projects to reduce wildfire risks, protect watersheds tributary to water storage facilities, and promote watershed health.
(9)CA Water Code § 79732(a)(9) Protect and restore rural and urban watershed health to improve watershed storage capacity, forest health, protection of life and property, stormwater resource management, and greenhouse gas reduction.
(10)CA Water Code § 79732(a)(10) Protect and restore coastal watersheds, including, but not limited to, bays, marine estuaries, and nearshore ecosystems.
(11)CA Water Code § 79732(a)(11) Reduce pollution or contamination of rivers, lakes, streams, or coastal
waters, prevent and remediate mercury contamination from legacy mines, and protect or restore natural system functions that contribute to water supply, water quality, or flood management.
(12)CA Water Code § 79732(a)(12) Assist in the recovery of endangered, threatened, or migratory species by improving watershed health, instream flows, fish passage, coastal or inland wetland restoration, or other means, such as natural community conservation plan and habitat conservation plan implementation.
(13)CA Water Code § 79732(a)(13) Assist in water-related agricultural sustainability projects.
(b)CA Water Code § 79732(b) Funds provided by this chapter shall only be used for projects that will provide fisheries or ecosystem benefits or improvements that are greater than required applicable environmental mitigation measures or compliance obligations.
watershed adaptation climate change impact river parkways restoration urban streams restoration fish passage improvement aquatic ecosystem protection mercury contamination remediation endangered species recovery habitat conservation water-related agricultural sustainability federal collaboration wildfire risk reduction watershed health stormwater management coastal watershed restoration
Section § 79733
This law allocates $200 million to the Wildlife Conservation Board to be used specifically for projects aimed at improving the flow of streams.
Of the funds made available by Section 79730, the sum of two hundred million dollars ($200,000,000) shall be administered by the Wildlife Conservation Board for projects that result in enhanced stream flows.
stream flow enhancement Wildlife Conservation Board projects funding water resources environmental conservation streams habitat restoration ecosystem improvement natural resource management stream flow projects environmental projects funding allocation conservation projects water flow enhancement wildlife habitats
Section § 79734
This law states that when working on restoration and ecosystem protection projects, the California Conservation Corps or a certified local conservation corps should be used whenever it's possible and practical.
For restoration and ecosystem protection projects under this chapter, the services of the California Conservation Corps or a local conservation corps certified by the California Conservation Corps shall be used whenever feasible.
restoration projects ecosystem protection California Conservation Corps local conservation corps project feasibility environmental restoration corps certification conservation service use feasibility requirement habitat restoration natural resource projects environmental conservation certified corps practical use project implementation
Section § 79735
This law allocates $100 million for projects that protect and improve urban creeks and their tributaries. Additionally, $20 million is set aside for a competitive program to fund watershed and urban river projects that enhance regional water self-sufficiency and meet at least two specific goals, like promoting groundwater recharge, reducing energy use, and creating natural habitats. The state and relevant agencies will manage the implementation. At least 25% of the funds must benefit disadvantaged communities, with up to 10% used for project planning.
(a)CA Water Code § 79735(a) Of the funds authorized by Section 79730, one hundred million dollars ($100,000,000) shall be available, upon appropriation by the Legislature, for projects to protect and enhance an urban creek, as defined in subdivision (e) of Section 7048, and its tributaries, pursuant to Division 22.8 (commencing with Section 32600) of, and Division 23 (commencing with Section 33000) of, the Public Resources Code and Section 79508.
(b)Copy CA Water Code § 79735(b)
(1)Copy CA Water Code § 79735(b)(1) Of the funds authorized by Section 79730, twenty million dollars ($20,000,000) shall be made available to the secretary for a competitive program to fund multibenefit watershed and urban rivers enhancement projects in urban watersheds that increase regional and local water self-sufficiency and that meet at least two of the following objectives:
(A)CA Water Code § 79735(b)(1)(A) Promote groundwater recharge and water reuse.
(B)CA Water Code § 79735(b)(1)(B) Reduce energy consumption.
(C)CA Water Code § 79735(b)(1)(C) Use soils, plants, and natural processes to treat runoff.
(D)CA Water Code § 79735(b)(1)(D) Create or restore native habitat.
(E)CA Water Code § 79735(b)(1)(E) Increase regional and local resiliency and adaptability to climate
change.
(2)CA Water Code § 79735(b)(2) The program under this subdivision shall be implemented by state conservancies, the Wildlife Conservation Board, the state board, or other entities whose jurisdiction includes urban watersheds, as designated by the secretary. Projects funded under the program shall be a part of a plan developed jointly by the conservancies, the Wildlife Conservation Board, the state board, or other designated entities in consultation with the secretary.
(c)CA Water Code § 79735(c) At least 25 percent of the funds available pursuant to this section shall be allocated for projects that benefit disadvantaged communities.
(d)CA Water Code § 79735(d) Up to 10 percent of the funds available pursuant to this section may be allocated for project planning.
urban creeks watershed projects groundwater recharge water reuse energy reduction natural runoff treatment habitat restoration climate change resilience disadvantaged communities project planning funding multibenefit enhancement regional water self-sufficiency state conservancies Wildlife Conservation Board urban watersheds
Section § 79736
California has allocated $475 million to the Natural Resources Agency for projects supporting the state's obligations under several legal agreements and settlements. These include agreements related to water management and ecosystem restoration, among others. Priority for funding will be given to projects deemed important for the whole state, those that restore natural habitats, support endangered species, improve regional water supply reliability, or offer significant economic benefits.
Of the funds authorized by Section 79730, four hundred seventy-five million dollars ($475,000,000) shall be available to the Natural Resources Agency to support projects that fulfill the obligations of the State of California in complying with the terms of any of the following:
(a)CA Water Code § 79736(a) Subsection (d) of Section 3406 of the Central Valley Project Improvement Act (Title 34 of Public Law 102-575).
(b)CA Water Code § 79736(b) Interstate compacts set forth in Section 66801 of the Government Code pursuant to Title 7.42 (commencing with Section 66905) of the Government Code.
(c)CA Water Code § 79736(c) Intrastate or multiparty water quantification settlement agreement provisions, including ecosystem restoration projects, as set forth in Chapters 611, 612, 613, and 614 of the Statutes of 2003.
(d)CA Water Code § 79736(d) The settlement agreement referenced in Section 2080.2 of the Fish and Game Code.
(e)CA Water Code § 79736(e) Any intrastate or multiparty settlement agreement related to water acted upon or before December 31, 2013. Priority shall be given to projects that meet one or more of the following criteria:
(1)CA Water Code § 79736(e)(1) The project is of statewide significance.
(2)CA Water Code § 79736(e)(2) The project restores natural aquatic or riparian functions, or wetlands habitat for birds and aquatic species.
(3)CA Water Code § 79736(e)(3) The project protects or promotes the restoration of endangered or threatened species.
(4)CA Water Code § 79736(e)(4) The project enhances the reliability of water supplies on a regional or interregional basis.
(5)CA Water Code § 79736(e)(5) The project provides significant regional or statewide economic benefits.
Natural Resources Agency funding Central Valley Project Improvement Act water management agreements ecosystem restoration projects endangered species protection water supply reliability regional economic benefits statewide significant projects riparian functions restoration wetlands habitat restoration interstate compacts water quantification settlements habitat for birds aquatic species restoration Fish and Game Code agreements
Section § 79737
This law allocates $285 million for the Department of Fish and Wildlife to fund watershed restoration projects across California. These projects include improving coastal wetland habitats, forest health, rivers, and meadows, as well as building better crossings, fish screens, and restoring flood plains and habitats.
Priority is given to coastal waters for fisheries restoration grants. The funds are meant for projects that offer significant benefits beyond mandatory environmental requirements, excluding Delta conveyance facilities.
For unique challenges at the California-Mexico border, there's a focus on projects that improve conditions for urban creeks and watersheds, in consultation with the California-Mexico Border Relations Council.
(a)CA Water Code § 79737(a) Of the funds authorized by Section 79730, two hundred eighty-five million dollars ($285,000,000) shall be available to the Department of Fish and Wildlife for watershed restoration projects statewide in accordance with this chapter.
(b)CA Water Code § 79737(b) For the purposes of this section, watershed restoration includes activities to fund coastal wetland habitat, improve forest health, restore mountain meadows, modernize stream crossings, culverts, and bridges, reconnect historical flood plains, install or improve fish screens, provide fish passages, restore river channels, restore or enhance riparian, aquatic, and terrestrial habitat, improve ecological functions, acquire from willing sellers
conservation easements for riparian buffer strips, improve local watershed
management, and remove sediment or trash.
(c)CA Water Code § 79737(c) For any funds available pursuant to this section that are used to provide grants under the Fisheries Restoration Grant Program, a priority shall be given to coastal waters.
(d)CA Water Code § 79737(d) In allocating funds for projects pursuant to this section, the Department of Fish and Wildlife shall only make funds available for water quality, river, and watershed protection and restoration projects of statewide importance outside of the Delta.
(e)CA Water Code § 79737(e) Funds provided by this section shall not be expended to pay the costs of the design, construction, operation, mitigation, or maintenance of Delta conveyance facilities.
(f)CA Water Code § 79737(f) Funds provided by this section shall only be used for projects that will provide fisheries or ecosystem benefits or improvements that are greater than required applicable environmental mitigation measures or compliance obligations, except for any water transfers for the benefit of subsection (d) of Section 3406 of the Central Valley Project Improvement Act (Title 34 of Public Law 102-575).
(g)CA Water Code § 79737(g) In order to address the unique ecological, flood control, water quality, and hydrological conditions associated with urban creeks and watersheds on the California-Mexico border, the department shall consult with the California-Mexico Border Relations Council to
establish criteria to fund projects that improve conditions for cross-border urban creeks and watersheds.
watershed restoration Department of Fish and Wildlife coastal wetland habitat forest health fisheries restoration grants flood plain restoration riparian habitats California-Mexico border urban creeks Fisheries Restoration Grant Program Delta exclusion ecological improvement cross-border projects riparian buffer strips California watershed management
Section § 79738
This law sets aside $87.5 million for the Department of Fish and Wildlife to improve water quality and restore ecosystems in the Delta area. It funds projects that enhance drinking and agricultural water quality, restore habitats for endangered species, and conduct scientific studies.
The law requires the department to work with local Delta governments and ensures land purchases are only from willing sellers. It emphasizes wildlife conservation, prioritizing projects on public or private lands, and does not allow land acquisition through eminent domain. Importantly, these funds cannot be used for Delta conveyance facility projects.
(a)CA Water Code § 79738(a) Of the funds authorized by Section 79730, eighty-seven million five hundred thousand dollars ($87,500,000) shall be available to the Department of Fish and Wildlife for water quality, ecosystem restoration, and fish protection facilities that benefit the Delta, including, but not limited to, the following:
(1)CA Water Code § 79738(a)(1) Projects to improve water quality or that contribute to the improvement of water quality
in the Delta, including projects in Delta counties that provide multiple public benefits and improve drinking and agricultural water quality or water supplies.
(2)CA Water Code § 79738(a)(2) Habitat restoration, conservation, and enhancement projects to improve the condition of special status, at risk, endangered, or threatened species in the Delta and the Delta counties, including projects to eradicate invasive species, and projects that support the beneficial reuse of dredged material for habitat restoration and levee improvements.
(3)CA Water Code § 79738(a)(3) Scientific studies and assessments that support the Delta Science Program, as described in Section 85280, or projects under this section.
(b)CA Water Code § 79738(b) In implementing this section, the department shall coordinate and consult with the Delta city or Delta county in which a grant is proposed to be expended or an interest
in real property is proposed to be acquired.
(c)CA Water Code § 79738(c) Acquisitions pursuant to this section shall be from willing sellers only.
(d)CA Water Code § 79738(d) In implementing this section state agencies shall prioritize wildlife conservation objectives through projects on public lands or voluntary projects on private lands, to the extent feasible.
(e)CA Water Code § 79738(e) Funds available pursuant to this section shall not be used to acquire land via eminent domain.
(f)CA Water Code § 79738(f) Funds available pursuant to this section shall not be expended to pay the costs of the design, construction, operation, mitigation, or maintenance of Delta conveyance facilities.
water quality improvement Delta ecosystem restoration fish protection facilities habitat restoration endangered species enhancement invasive species eradication Delta Science Program collaboration with local government willing sellers wildlife conservation projects public and private lands eminent domain prohibition Delta conveyance facilities restrictions
