California Department of Fish and Wildlife(CDFW) is developing two new grant programs to fund multi-benefit ecosystem and watershed protection and restoration projects, as outlined in Proposition 1.
The Watershed Restoration Grant Program will focus on water quality, river, and watershed protection and restoration projects of statewide importance outside of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (Delta).
The Delta Water Quality and Ecosystem Restoration Grant Program will focus on water quality, ecosystem restoration and fish protection facilities that benefit the Delta.
Approved by voters in November 2014, Proposition 1 will provide funding to meet three broad objectives of the California Water Action Plan (PDF): more reliable water supplies; the restoration of important species and habitat; and a more resilient, sustainably managed water resources system (water supply, water quality, flood protection, and environment) that can better withstand inevitable and unforeseen pressures in the coming decades.
These competitive grant programs will invest $285 million in projects of statewide importance outside of the Delta and $87.5 million in projects that benefit the Delta over a 10 year period.
Eligible applicants include state and local public agencies, nonprofit organizations, public utilities, federally recognized Indian tribes, state Indian tribes listed on the Native American Heritage Commission’s California Tribal Consultation List, and mutual water companies.
A portion of the Proposition 1 bond funds will be allocated annually through the State Budget to fund Watershed Restoration Grant Program projects.
The first proposal solicitation notice is expected for release in July of 2015.